Madison Reporter

The City of Madison has been acknowledged in a national report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety as an exemplary model in applying the Safe System Approach to enhance road safety. The report, titled "A Safe System Guide for Transportation: Successful Examples from Communities in the U.S.," includes case studies nationwide, with Madison noted for its comprehensive efforts to create safer streets.

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway expressed pride in Madison’s leadership role in traffic safety and commitment to Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries on city streets. "Madison is honored to be listed as a national leader in adopting a Safe System Approach,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of city staff, community partners, and residents in ensuring that all road users—whether they’re walking, biking, driving, or using public transit—can travel safely. We will continue to prioritize safety in every aspect of our transportation system, as we work toward our goal of zero preventable deaths."

The Safe System Approach emphasizes minimizing impacts when crashes occur rather than solely preventing them. The AAA Foundation’s report highlighted Madison’s data-driven strategies, community engagement, and multi-modal safety improvements like street redesigns, speed management, and safer pedestrian crossings. These measures are part of the city's broader efforts for a safe and sustainable transportation network.

Under its Vision Zero initiative, Madison has implemented speed management strategies in prioritized areas, improved pedestrian crossings, expanded protected bicycle facilities, and planned additional measures to reduce fatal crashes and improve overall road user safety.

For further details about Madison’s Vision Zero strategy and projects utilizing the Safe Systems approach, visit the Vision Zero website.