WORCESTER, MA — Worcester's effort to eliminate fatal and serious crashes is entering its second year with pedestrian safety still an urgent concern.
A total of 36 pedestrians were hit by vehicles in Worcester between January and June 2026, and two of them died, the city said Tuesday. The figures were released one year after Worcester pledged to eliminate roadway deaths and serious injuries by 2035 as part of its Vision Zero initiative.
The city did not provide additional details about the crashes or identify the two pedestrians who died in its announcement.
Vision Zero follows the Safe System Approach, which treats roadway deaths and serious injuries as preventable while recognizing that people make mistakes.
Worcester officials urged drivers to slow down, yield to pedestrians and eliminate distractions such as cellphone use. Drivers should also maintain a safe following distance and leave bicyclists at least four feet of space when passing, according to the city.
Massachusetts law requires drivers to leave at least four feet when passing bicyclists and other vulnerable road users when it is safe to do so.
Worcester said its first Vision Zero Annual Report will be released soon.
More information about the city's road safety work is available on the Worcester Vision Zero website.
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