The Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to commit resources to reduce traffic-related fatalities, which are the fifth leading cause of premature death in Los Angeles County.
Supervisor Hilda Solis recommended the program, dubbed “Vision Zero Initiative,” aimed at unincorporated areas of the county.
“I’ve heard from constituents across my district who are concerned about speeding in their neighborhood or whether it’s safe for their kids to walk to school,” Solis said. “My priority is to make sure that our streets are designed to be safe for users of all ages, whether walking, running, playing or driving.”
In addition to safe roads, the initiative will support pedestrian activity, biking and use of public transit.
“I have a young nephew who plays outside all the time. But with cars speeding by, I’m scared he might get hurt one day,” said Jashin Liberto, a Walnut Park resident. “I would like to see a safer neighborhood and a better environment for all of our residents.”
The board directed staffers including sheriff’s deputies and firefighters to analyze collisions in unincorporated neighborhoods and report back in four months with recommended strategies.
“Our streets are one of our greatest public assets. It is paramount to address roadway safety if we are to encourage people to increase their level of physical activity and live a healthy lifestyle,” said Cynthia Harding, interim director of the Department of Public Health.
Solis said more than a dozen municipalities nationwide have decided to take part in their own Vision Zero Initiative. The multinational effort began in Sweden and a U.S. national traffic safety program named “Toward Zero Deaths” launched in 2015.
–City News Service