Worcester is declaring a “Road Safety and Traffic Violence Crisis” following the three latest pedestrian crashes involving one toddler and two adolescents, Metropolis Supervisor Eric Batista and Mayor Joseph Petty introduced final week.
“The best way to show our sympathy to the families impacted by these tragedies is through action,” the town officers wrote in an announcement. “We send them our strength and our pledge to end traffic violence now and we invite every resident and road user in the City of Worcester to join us in this mission.”
Following a tragic streak of crashes, the announcement is meant to “draw attention to the serious and worsening problem of traffic violence and rally the community behind actions to address it,” the town officers stated.
In late June, a 13-year-old lady was fatally hit by a automotive on Belmont Avenue in Worcester. A 1-year-old baby was hit the identical month on Lincoln Avenue and was significantly injured however survived.
In 2024, there have been over 2,800 car crashes in Worcester, the town officers stated in a launch. Over 90 concerned pedestrians and cyclists. Fifty-one resulted in critical accidents or deaths.
These form of crashes are the main reason behind injury-related deaths in People 24 or youthful and second main trigger for all ages, the discharge cited.
Town officers outlined a number of steps to “prioritize the safety of our street network,” together with accelerating a “Vision Zero Safety Action Plan” by the Division of Transportation and Mobility.
In collaboration with different departments, consultants and group companions, metropolis officers stated, the plan goals to “ultimately eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries” by figuring out essentially the most harmful avenue segments and intersections, growing actions to extend highway security and monitoring progress within the lengthy phrases. The plan will come out in late fall, however officers will launch examine findings and preliminary actions within the meantime.
The 2 key proposal earlier than the Metropolis Council are lowering the velocity restrict citywide from 30 mph to 25 mph and enabling institution of 20 mph Security Zones. The officers additionally famous they’re looking for assessments and short- and long-term enchancment plans for Belmont and Shrewsbury Streets inside 60 days.
Metropolis officers cited the function of visitors enforcement, stating that police have issued 3,180 citations for visitors infractions and performed public consciousness campaigns during the last 12 months.
“Making streets safer and more accommodating for all users requires more than government actions alone,” Petty and Batista stated. “As a community, we need to work together to ensure our collective safety and well-being. We urge everyone to respect the rules of the road, slow down, watch for other road users, and exercise patience and restraint.”
