SALT LAKE CITY

Salt Lake City adopts strategy to eliminate traffic-related fatalities

Jan 11, 2023, 5:30 PM | Updated: Jan 12, 2023, 12:08 pm

Salt Lake City is joining a network with the goal to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities and s...

Traffic moves along I-15 during rush hour in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 1, 2022. (Photo credit: Mengshin Lin/Deseret News)

(Photo credit: Mengshin Lin/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — A growing concern over Utah’s road safety has prompted Salt Lake City to join the Vision Zero Network, Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced Wednesday.

In 2022, 320 lives were lost on roads within the state according to UDOT and DPS

The network is a national strategy to eliminate fatal auto-related accidents and severe injuries on city streets. Additionally, the network works to increase safety, health, and fair mobility. 

Vision Zero Network’s webpage stresses that in order to create safe mobility within a city, there must be systems in place. The systems stem from collecting and analyzing data to understand trends and potential impacts on specific populations. 

Furthermore, the strategy includes designing policies and road systems to ensure inevitable mistakes by users do not result in severe injuries or death. 

Mayor Mendenhall said during her announcement that SLC residents deserve to travel safely any time of day throughout the city by any method. 

“Vision Zero is not more of the same. It is a significant departure from the status quo,” Mendenhall said. “That will further solidify Salt Lake City’s commitment to safe streets.”

In a release on SLC joining Vision Zero, it said policymakers plan to implement policies. These policies include speed management, improve roadway environment, and other related systems. 

However, before policymakers get to work the city will create a strategic plan and engage with the community. Then, policy development takes place. 

Jon Larsen, transportation division director, said this will provide focus on ongoing traffic safety efforts for SLC drivers. 

“This will require a shift in mentality for everyone that getting there safely is more important than getting there fast,” Larsen said. 

Related reading: 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Salt Lake City

Downtown Salt Lake City is pictured from the Avenues on Dec. 27, 2024. Astra Tower, seen here lit i...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Salt Lake City is about to get another weather beacon. Here’s what this one will forecast

Astra Tower, about a block east of the Walker Center, will feature an air quality forecast lighting system, according to the Utah Clean Air Partnership.

2 days ago

Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini speaks with KSL TV in an interview on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2024. (KS...

Garna Mejia and Mary Culbertson, KSL TV

‘That’s thuggery’; Millcreek mayor demands investigation into ICE agents after traffic stop

After a controversial traffic stop made by ICE agents, Millcreek's city mayor is demanding action.

6 days ago

people's music hall of fame 2025 induction ceremony...

Heather Kelly

People’s Music Hall of Fame to be permanently based in Utah

Huey Lewis will be inducted into the People's Music Hall of Fame during its inaugural event on Friday, Feb. 7 at the Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City.

8 days ago

A Utah Transit Authority TRAX ticket vending machine damaged as the result of alleged criminal misc...

Kennedy Camarena

Man held without bail after police say he caused more than $5,000 in damages to TRAX machines

66-year-old Wilbert Fike was arrested Tuesday for vandalizing a TRAX station machine at 55 S. Main Street.

14 days ago

FILE (KSL TV)...

Carlysle Price

Man accused of kidnapping junior high student after communicating online

A man is facing charges after allegedly communicating with a 14-year-old girl online and then kidnapping her.

17 days ago

A 18-year-old impaired driver, not pictured, caused a high-speed, four-car crash at 400 South State...

Alton Barnhart

SLCPD warns of DUI dangers after high-speed crash in downtown

Police are warning the public to not drive under the influence after a crash caused by a DUI drive occurred in downtown Salt Lake City.

18 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Salt Lake City adopts strategy to eliminate traffic-related fatalities