In this newsletter...
- Portland 2022 deadly traffic crash report released
- PBOT awarded $20 million for major safety investments on 122nd Ave
- Why we say “crash” not “accident”
- Free Vision Zero pins, stickers, brochures, fliers, and yard signs
- What we're reading
- Featured safety tip!
Portland 2022 deadly traffic crash report released
Earlier this month, the Portland Bureau of Transportation published the Portland 2022 Deadly Traffic Crash Report along with messages urging the public to slow down, as speed and impairment keep pedestrian deaths at historic high levels in Portland and across the U.S. in 2022. A total of 63 people died in traffic crashes in last year, matching 2021’s high of at least three decades.
To learn more, read the full Portland 2022 Deadly Traffic Crash Report.
PBOT awarded $20 million for major safety investments on 122nd Ave
In February, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Portland Bureau of Transportation a $20 million grant for a critical 5.5-mile stretch of 122nd Avenue from SE Foster Road to NE Sandy Boulevard. The busy, five-lane arterial street is one of the most dangerous in the city and serves some of Portland’s most racially and ethnically diverse neighborhoods. PBOT will provide $5 million in matching funds to support the project, leveraging funds already allocated from Fixing Our Streets for paving SE 122nd Avenue between SE Foster Road and SE Holgate Boulevard.
Read the full press release to learn more about the major safety investments.
To stay up to date about corridor improvements to 122nd Avenue, sign up for email updates.
Why we say “crash” not “accident”
When we use the word “accident” rather than “crash,” we’re implying that a collision was somehow inevitable. We’re not only absolving the person driving from responsibility but also the local transportation agency. But that doesn't align with Portland Bureau of Transportation's goal of making Portland streets safe for everyone. PBOT has strategic commitments to realize Vision Zero, including protecting pedestrians, reducing speeds citywide, designing streets to protect human lives, and creating a culture of shared responsibility. Part of the latter strategy is reminding ourselves and our communities that crashes are predictable and preventable.
We’re inviting our community to change the way we talk about crashes, and in doing so, change the broad cultural perception that crashes are inevitable. A Vision Zero approach refuses to accept traffic violence as a byproduct of “just the way things are.” So, will you join us?
Read the full blog post to learn more about why we use the word "crash" not "accident."
Free Vision Zero pins, stickers, brochures, fliers, and yard signs
Help educate family, friends, neighbors, your school, or your organization about Vision Zero, Portland's commitment to eliminate serious and fatal traffic injuries in Portland.
- Order and receive in the mail pins, stickers, brochures, and fliers.
These materials are available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Romanian, Vietnamese, Somali, and Lao.
- Pick-up yard signs from the Portland Building front desk (1120 SW 5th Ave) during regular business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
If you're interested in making a bulk request, please email us at visionzero@portlandoregon.gov.
What we're reading
- Why reducing vehicle speeds matters to pedestrian safety (America Walks)
- U.S. traffic safety push delivers $800 million for street fixes (Bloomberg CityLab)
- Kids’ psychology affects how they behave around cars (Streetsblog)
- Three ways DOTs can help the unhoused -- on and off the road (Streetsblog)
- As heavy EVs proliferate, their weight may be a drag on safety (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- NYC says vehicles equipped with speed limit tech reduced unsafe driving (Smart Cities Dive)
- New data shows significant improvements in road safety in London since introduction of 20mph speed limits (Transport for London)
Featured safety tip!
Downsize your car
If you own a car, try to find something small, light, and with a low front end. There is a direct correlation between the increase in vehicle size, weight, and front end height and the increase in pedestrian deaths in the U.S. Next time you have the ability to choose a car -- whether buying or renting -- choose something smaller. And encourage your friends to choose smaller cars too!
We'll be sharing safety tips in each newsletter. If you have a safety tip you'd like us to feature, please email it to visionzero@portlandoregon.gov.