Madison Recognized as a Best Practice Example for Safe Systems Approach in National Traffic Safety Report

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway expressed her pride in Madison's leadership role in traffic safety and commitment to Vision Zero, an initiative to eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries on Madison's streets.

"Madison is honored to be listed as a national leader in adopting a Safe System Approach," said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. "This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of city staff, community partners, and residents in ensuring that all road users-whether they're walking, biking, driving, or using public transit-can travel safely. We will continue to prioritize safety in every aspect of our transportation system, as we work toward our goal of zero preventable deaths."

The Safe System Approach shifts the focus from preventing crashes alone to ensuring that when crashes occur, the impacts are minimized to prevent serious injury or death. The AAA Foundation's report highlighted Madison's use of data-driven strategies, community engagement, and multi-modal safety improvements, including street (re)designs, speed management, and safer pedestrian crossings. These measures reflect the city's broader efforts to create a safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation network.

As part of the City's Vision Zero initiative, Madison has implemented speed management strategies in prioritized areas, improved pedestrian crossings, expanded protected bicycle facilities, as well as planning additional measures to reduce fatal and injury crashes and improve the safety of all road users, especially those who are most vulnerable.

For more information about Madison's Vision Zero strategy, including a list of projects that utilize the Safe Systems approach, visit the Vision Zero website.