On September 11, 2018, City Council adopted the Santa Barbara Vision Zero Strategy 2030. Vision Zero is a philosophy that all transportation-related deaths are unacceptable and preventable, and it is a proven way to reduce traffic deaths by prioritizing safety above all other factors on our roads. The Vision Zero Strategy aims to end severe or fatal transportation-related injuries in Santa Barbara by 2030.
This strategy presents seven core principles to guide transportation decision-making, planning, designing, and policing. It adopts a “Safety First” mentality involving collaboration between the City, non-profit partners, and the community. This approach distributes shared responsibility among these groups to reimagine a safer future for all street users by prioritizing human life in traffic management.
TRADITIONAL APPROACH |
VISION ZERO |
Traffic deaths are INEVITABLE |
Traffic deaths are PREVENTABLE |
PERFECT human behavior |
Integrate HUMAN FAILING in approach |
Prevent COLLISIONS |
Prevent FATAL AND SEVERE CRASHES |
INDIVIDUAL responsibility |
SYSTEMS approach |
Saving lives is EXPENSIVE |
Saving lives is NOT EXPENSIVE |
Santa Barbara Vision Zero Strategy 2030