A new data dashboard has been launched in Philadelphia to support the city's efforts to reduce traffic-related fatalities, potentially making driving in the area more reassuring. The City of Philadelphia, in partnership with Philly Stat 360 and the Vision Zero initiative, unveiled a digital platform showcasing the strides taken to mitigate traffic-related deaths and injuries. In a city where a disproportionately small number of streets account for the bulk of severe traffic incidents, this dashboard aims to cast light on the battle for safer streets.
A striking statistic highlights the importance of such initiatives: 80 percent of traffic deaths and serious injuries in Philadelphia have occurred on only 12 percent of city streets, dubbed the "High Injury Network.” Vision Zero has set out to strategically invest in these areas, aiming to steadily reduce and eventually eliminate such tragedies. The initiative takes a "Safe System" approach, incorporating measures to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle occupants alike. Recent efforts have already shown promising results. For instance, since the installment of speed cameras on Roosevelt Boulevard, reported violations for speeding have plummeted by more than 95 percent, as reported by the City of Philadelphia.
The new Vision Zero dashboard presents more than just statistics; it includes interactive maps displaying traffic calming measures, projects along the High Injury Network, and records of serious or fatal crashes from the previous year. These updates provide a detailed overview of the city's ongoing efforts to improve road safety.
Notably, in areas where Complete Streets projects have been implemented, there has been a reported 34 percent decrease in fatal and serious injury crashes, along with 20 percent fewer total crashes causing injury. The progress of Vision Zero, highlighted through the dashboard, reflects the Parker Administration's dedication to using data to guide and drive change. "The Vision Zero dashboard shows how the Parker Administration is committed to using data to drive change, holding ourselves accountable to reduce traffic deaths and injuries in Philadelphia, and ensuring that every decision is informed by the most accurate, up-to-date information to make the city safer for everyone," Kristin Bray, Director of Philly Stat 360, told the City of Philadelphia. This dedication mirrors the broader objectives of the Philly Stat 360 platform, which continues to provide up-to-date city data across various sectors.
The release of the Vision Zero dashboard is part of a broader effort to offer transparent and accessible updates on city initiatives, including the Kensington Community Revival Dashboard and Mayor Parker’s First Year in Office Report.
