Local Government

Together we will use strategies that are equitable, data-driven and collaborative as steps to achieve zero roadway deaths in the greater Kansas City region by 2050.  

To achieve this vision, local governments should consider these goals when implementing the strategies below.

• Equitable — ensure all actions consider the most vulnerable citizens and areas of highest need to improve road use and safety. 
• Data-driven — identify data sources that support safety efforts and expand on the foundation of crash data. Examples may include traffic citations, hospital discharges, or project effectiveness.
• Collaborative — work across departments and jurisdictions to prioritize safety efforts in your community. Identify grassroots programs to engage in safety planning, education, and enforcement. 

These strategies might require fewer resources, less coordination among stakeholders or lower time constraints.

Ensure safety is prioritized at a local or agency level by creating policies and budgets that support safety efforts.

Encourage law enforcement departments to utilize resources at locations most often affected by fatality and serious injury crashes, in work and school zones, activity centers, or known locations of reckless driving.

Conduct community needs assessment to better understand barriers for all residents, especially older adults, people with disabilities, and unique mobility needs.

Ensure work zones utilize advanced warning and visibility for all road users. Consider creating Transportation Management Plans for Work Zones.

These strategies might require fewer resources, less coordination among stakeholders or lower time constraints.

Use data-driven safety analysis and risk factor evaluation to identify, prioritize, and quantify the safety impacts of roadway improvements equitably.

Establish a Vision Zero task force and/or policy within the jurisdiction which includes input from local stakeholders and broad community representation (Link to Vision Zero KC page) 

Create community building and educational opportunities with law enforcement agencies. 

Encourage first responders to participate in SHRP2 TIM Responder training and work with KC Scout to track incident clearance times to promote responder safety and reduce opportunities for secondary crashes. Require the use of high-visibility signs and reflective personal protection equipment in work and crash zones.

These strategies might require fewer resources, less coordination among stakeholders or lower time constraints.

Support or create Vision Zero best practice policies such as hands-free phones use for all ages, helmet laws, primary seat belt laws, use of ignition interlock systems, safe multimodal lane use, and automated enforcement.

Support technology improvements that focus on good design, data management, and equity such as autonomous vehicle infrastructure and smart city LiDAR systems.  AV Framework

Promote and increase safe alternative transportation options Greater KC Regional Bikeway Plan, Regional Pedestrian Policy Plan.

Work across jurisdictions to create consistent speed limits as well as “self-enforcing roads” that include safe active transportation infrastructure. Complete Streets

Support strategic land-use practices that promote denser mixed-use, mixed-income areas to reduce individual vehicle miles traveled and increase safer modes such as transit, walking and biking.