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What is Vision Zero?
Vision Zero is a goal to reduce and eliminate serious injuries and fatalities along our transportation network while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all.
Why do we need Vision Zero?
Raleigh is the second-fastest growing large metro area in the United States. As we grow, an orchestrated effort to improve roadway safety is vitally important. North Carolina saw a record 1,755 traffic deaths in 2021, topping the previous mark set in 2007 and exceeding 2020’s death rate by five percent.
- According to the NTSA, speeding is a major contributing factor in 30% of fatal crashes nationwide.
- In the US, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 1 to 34 years.
- Distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and speeding are the top causes of car crashes in the US.
Related
Vision Zero Presentations to City Council
Watch the latest video recording of the Vision Zero presentation to Raleigh City Council on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Raleigh City Council Work Session - Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Vision Zero accomplishments since 2022 launch
What Work Has Already Been Completed?
- The City of Raleigh’s Comprehensive Safety Action Plan was adopted by City Council in April 2026. The plan’s goal is to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by 50 percent by 2040.
- Flatwork, signage, and pavement marking upgrades at West Millbrook Magnet High School, Broughton Magnet High School, Wiley Elementary School, RISE SE Raleigh Charter School, Lacy Elementary School, Sycamore Creek Elementary, Oberlin Middle School, Hilburn Elementary School, Fuller Elementary School, Jeffreys Grove Elementary, Stough Elementary, Conn Elementary, and Joyner Magnet Elementary.
- Traffic calming and sidewalk extension projects at Wildwood Forest Elementary School were completed in 2025.
- Complete installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) during 2025 at 8 different locations, including Wilmington Street at One Exchange Plaza and Lake Johnson Park at Avent Ferry.
- City of Raleigh submitted multiple projects to NCDOT for competitive funding. NCDOT acquired funding for 6 safety improvement projects totaling $2.5M in the last 12 months.
- Updated school zone and school area signage across the City.
- Improved Streetlights in 9 key locations. providing enhanced lighting for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in areas with high traffic volumes. Sites included:
- Clark Ave - upgrade 26 fixtures from Brooks to Chamberlain
- Rock Quarry Road - Olde Birch to Sunnybrook
- Newton Road - most of the entire length
- Poole Road - Maybrook to Neuse River
- Tryon Road - Lake Wheeler Rd to Gorman St
- Globe Rd - Brier Creek Pkwy to I-540
- Pearl Road - Rock Quarry Rd to Camelot Village Ave
- Edwards Mill Road - Duraleigh to Laurel Hills
What's Next for Vision Zero in Raleigh?
- Start construction of a signalized intersection at both Wakefield Middle & High School in Summer 2026.
- Start construction on signalized intersection upgrades, including additional crosswalks, at the Atlantic Ave at Whitaker Mill intersection in Fall 2026.
- Start construction on signalized intersections upgrades with APS and LPI’s at Capital Blvd. and Calvary Dr. intersection in Fall 2026.
- Start construction of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) during 2026 at 4 different locations, including Cardinal Gibbons High and Moore Square at Blount St.
- Start construction of signalized intersection improvements at both Kent/Method/Western and Buffaloe/New Hope in Winter 2027.
- Start construction of a signalized intersection at Highwoods Blvd at Poplarwood Ct in Spring 2027.
- Start construction of a signalized intersection at Dillard Middle School and Harris Creek Elementary in Summer 2027.
- Start construction on Downtown Pedestrian Safety Improvements (Phase II) in Fall 2027.
- Pedestrian Safety Upgrades and signal upgrades along MLK Jr. Blvd from Salisbury to Poole Rd will start design in Sumer 2026 with anticipation to start construction Fall 2027.
- Intersection improvements are currently underway at five locations across the city. These enhancements include the installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), implementation of Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPI), and upgrades to signal heads, with specific improvements tailored to each site. All construction is expected to be completed by Fall 2026. The five locations are:
- Gorman Street & Marcum Street
- Creedmore Road, Edwards Mills Road, Mill Village Road, and Parklake Road
- Colonnade Center Drive, Forum Drive, and Six Forks Road
- The Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon south of Lead Mine Road & Shadyside Drive
- Navaho Drive & Wake Forest Road
- Improving Streetlights in 5 key locations, providing enhanced lighting for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in areas with high traffic volumes. Sites included:
- Strickland Road - Creedmore Road to 150' west of Camellia Drive
- Fox Road - Sumner to Old Wake Forest
- Fox Road - Sumner to Old Wake Forest
- Edwards Mill Road - Trinity Rd to Chapel Hill Road
- Dillard Drive - from middle school entrance to Tryon Road
Share your Traffic Safety Concerns
The City of Raleigh Transportation Department wants your feedback as they continue to implement Vision Zero.
Please share your traffic safety concerns with us by visiting Ask Raleigh!
Thank you for your feedback!