D. K. Donley1, R. Policherla1, K. Smith1, A. Kelly1, J. Shou1, P. Barie1, R. Winchell1, M. Narayan1 1Weill Cornell Medical College,Trauma, Burns, Critical And Acute Care,New York, NY, USA
Introduction:
Vision Zero (VZ) is a public health approach to road safety. The model proposes that responsibility in the event of injury lies with both the user and the designer, and that better designed traffic systems are the best way to maximize a community’s mobility and safety. We hypothesize a reduction in traffic related injuries and deaths in the years following the implementation of a VZ Action Plan for New York City.
Methods:
A review of the accident and injury statistics from Traffic Accident Management System maintained by the New York City Police Department was performed. Data were analyzed from 2009 to 2016, the last year for which comprehensive information is available. The mean number of fatalities and injuries for the preVZ and postVZ periods were calculated. Means were compared using a two sided t-test.
Results:
Mean fatality and injury data for the periods under review are shown in the table. There was a statistically significant (p<.05) reduction in pedestrians injured. There were no significant reductions in fatalities.
Conclusion:
Traffic related injuries have fallen with the enactment of the VZ Action Plan in NYC. This review shows that injuries to pedestrians have been reduced with the VZ Action Plan, but highlight that more work is needed. Further studies regarding specific traffic design interventions (pedestrian islands, bicycle lanes, etc) are needed to determine relative efficacies of different design elements.
