DALLAS — Fewer than one in 10 roads in Dallas account for more than half of severe crashes, transportation leaders said Wednesday as part of a presentation to councilmembers on the city's ambitious plan to reduce traffic fatalities to zero by 2030.
The roads, part of the city's high injury network, are among the first targeted for safety improvements as part of the so-called Vision Zero plan. The plans include studies on some of the worst streets, followed by potential changes to intersection construction, additional lighting and new traffic signals.
"I think it's a must," said Hexel Colorado, a transit, cycling and pedestrian advocate. "It’s new to a lot of people, but it really should be our default mindset."
Data presented to City Council Wednesday showed a year-over-year decline in fatalities for people in cars on certain types of Dallas streets in 2023, but an increase in the number of pedestrian deaths -- to a five-year high of 54 fatalities.
The numbers reiterate Colorado's belief the city's efforts to make roads safer needs to make sure to keep pedestrians and bikers in mind -- not just drivers.
"If we don’t get Vision Zero right -- it really could happen to anybody, if we don’t get it right for everybody," he said.
The city's transportation department said special consideration will be given to roads with pedestrian and cyclist fatalities and to areas based on equity guidelines.
Dallas Department of Transportation Director Gus Khankarli said challenges with achieving the goal of zero deaths include driver habits, existing infrastructure and long-term funding.
"It takes money and resources and this city was built around a car," said Councilperson Paula Blackmon, who represents parts of East Dallas and White Rock Lake.
Other city councilmembers expressed support for the project too -- some like Chad West, who represents North Oak Cliff and Bishop Arts, said they would like to see the city go further on its efforts. "I'm still frustrated in the fact that we, as a city, can't do more," he said.
Khankarli said councilmembers could continue to support the program by advocating for lawmakers to allow cities to lower speed limits, promoting seatbelt use and continuing to fund the project.