Fostering rigorous science and credible evidence in vision zero planning
Author(s): Persaud, Lyon
Slidedeck Presentation Only (no paper submitted):
Abstract:
Government agencies around the world, including many road jurisdictions in Canada, have developed, or intend to develop vision zero plans. These plans are focused on reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. The presentation addresses the need for applying more rigorous analysis methods and the most robust evidence in developing and implementing vision zero plans. Canadian and other road jurisdictions; researchers; and consultants developing vision zero plans for road jurisdictions The approach in developing a plan is to identify specific initiatives targeting collision type emphasis areas. These emphasis areas are often identified based primarily on a rudimentary review of historical collision data; safety measures are then proposed for each by considering prevailing knowledge on the applicability and costs and benefits of those measures. Improved methods applying appropriate statistical testing to collision data are presented, and illustrated with case studies, for 1) formal and explicit consideration of collision concerns as well as exposure; 2) identifying and prioritizing safety countermeasures based on explicit consideration of their costs and benefits and of the most rigorous and applicable information on crash reduction potential; 3) setting targets for collision reduction based on explicit consideration of what is achievable with cost effective measures at various investment levels; 4) establishing a framework for performance evaluation to revisit/refine/update a vision zero plan in the light of performance evaluation results. A key message is that part and parcel of a vision zero plan should be the fostering of rigorous science and credible evidence in developing and implementing the plan.