FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Maya Rosas
Cell: (310) 804-5256
[email protected]
Pedestrian Fatalities Countywide at Highest Number In 23 Years
SAN DIEGO (August 24, 2017) –Today the San Diego County Medical Examiner released its 2016 Annual Report detailing the trends and causes behind the deaths the Medical Examiner investigated last year. A staggering 101 pedestrians died on the streets across San Diego County. This is approximately a third of all traffic deaths in 2016, an increase from 93 pedestrian deaths in 2015, and is just short of the County record set in 1994 of 103 deaths.
“It’s time to prioritize safety improvements where lives are in danger. San Diegans should be able to walk without risking their lives,” said Maya Rosas, Advocacy Manager for Circulate San Diego. “We can’t continue to do business as usual.”
Circulate San Diego and a diverse coalition of 20 organizations have promoted a campaign for the last two years called Vision Zero, with the goal to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in the City of San Diego by 2025. Mayor Faulconer and the San Diego City Council adopted a 10-year Vision Zero strategy in 2015.
The concept behind Vision Zero is that traffic deaths are preventable – through safe street design, education, and enforcement. The program has been successful in other U.S. and European cities. To date, 20 cities across the U.S. have adopted a Vision Zero goal.
Last year was the third year in a row in the City of San Diego with an increase in pedestrian deaths. In June, the City of San Diego recently committed to making improvements to the 15 most dangerous intersections, but today’s report shows that more needs to be done.
About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
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