Alexandria Wants To End Traffic Deaths By 2028

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The City of Alexandria released its draft Vision Zero plan, aiming to end all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2028. Residents are invited to provide public comment on the policy.

The plan outlines strategies for eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries, from changing traffic enforcement policies to education campaigns. The city has already surveyed 1,000 residents, visitors, employees, and business owners, finding distracted driving, speeding, and running of red lights or stop signs are top concerns.

The roads in Alexandria are safe compared to other cities. In 2017, four people have been killed in crashes, the same as the year prior, WAMU reported. But those deaths can have a bigger impact on the community—16 percent of survey respondents were or knew someone seriously injured or killed in an Alexandria crash.

City staff have analyzed crash data to identify six corridors more prone to serious and fatal crashes, which are:

• Route 1
• West Glebe Road
• George Washington Memorial Parkway
• Duke Street
• Van Dorn Street
• Beauregard Street

The city estimates up to $200,000 in annual operating funds and up to $1.3 million in annual capital funding would be needed. Outside funding such as grants are an option to defray costs to the city.

“As a Vision Zero community, Alexandria recognizes that traffic injuries and fatalities are preventable,” said City Manager Mark Jinks in a statement. “The Vision Zero Draft Action Plan is a roadmap that will help guide City staff, key partners, and the entire community in reaching our shared goal of making our streets safer.”

Alexandria Police released a separate Police Traffic Safety Plan, emphasizing traffic enforcement and education in preventing serious crashes.

“Our goal for this traffic safety plan is to create a safe, viable and balanced system to help eradicate traffic crashes, serious injuries and fatalities, while promoting voluntary compliance with traffic laws through education and enforcement," said Police Chief Michael Brown in a statement.

Residents can read and provide comments on both policies online. The City Council will also hold a public hearing during its Dec. 16 meeting at 9:30 a.m., in the City Council Chamber at Alexandria City Hall (301 King Street).

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