Millions of people around the United States and around the globe came together to celebrate a day to remember the lives of people lost in serious traffic crashes on Nov. 21. In Nashville, they called on elected leaders at the state and local levels to come up with solutions to address the issue of traffic-related crashes and deaths with a candlelight vigil at the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims held at the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
The event was conducted by Walk Bike Nashville and Families for Safe Streets. Elected officials, including Nashville Mayor John Cooper, were called upon to take immediate action to save lives, e.g.: lowering speed limits on the most heavily traveled roads. According to a press report by Walk Bike Nashville, there were seven roads in Nashville that accounted for more than 50% of all pedestrian deaths. The press release statement also said that in 2020, 42,060 people died in motor vehicle crashes. This was an eight percent increase from 2019, despite fewer people driving on the roadways due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the National Safety Council.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, crosswalk visibility can reduce the number of crashes by 23-48%. Raised crosswalks can reduce pedestrian crashes by 45%. The FHA also said that tools like pedestrian refuge islands can reduce pedestrian crashes by 32%. In Nashville, the Capital Spending Plan developed by the Metro Council called for the Nashville Zoo to receive $15 million for parking lot improvements. However, according to Walk Bike Nashville, there are incomplete sidewalks near the zoo. The press release said that the bike lanes are the “de facto walking paths” for Nashville residents who live near the zoo.
When it comes to prevention of traffic deaths, expert analysis and reliable projections have reported that zero traffic deaths are attainable, according to the World Day of Remembrance blog. Mayor Cooper has set a goal of zero traffic deaths, but Walk Bike Nashville said that 32 people have been killed in pedestrian deaths in 2021.
