Knoxville’s Vision Zero Initiative: Aiming for Zero Traffic Fatalities
In Knoxville, Tennessee, a significant shift is underway as the city embarks on an ambitious journey known as Vision Zero. This nearly 15-year project is set with a clear and bold mission: to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries from its roads. It’s a friendly goal that aims to create safer streets for everyone.
A Hopeful Vision
At the helm of this initiative is Cody Gentry, who was appointed as the Vision Zero Coordinator earlier this year. As we chatted with him recently, he passionately conveyed the spirit of the project. “The goal is to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injury crashes,” he explained. And with already over $1 million in federal grant funding poured into the project, the city is well on its way to making strides toward this important goal. Gentry remarked, “Other cities in the U.S. have achieved zero deaths, so why not Knoxville?”
Making Immediate Improvements
One major focal point in this initiative is the intersection of Sutherland Avenue and Tobler in front of West High School, an area that has seen incidents involving pedestrians, including a distressing event where a student was hit while walking to class last school year. Gentry shared that one of the major causes of these crashes is the speed at which drivers travel through these areas. “Speed is a significant factor,” he noted.
Although the intersection has received some improvements, the city is eyeing even larger projects that will involve millions of dollars. Reflecting on the recent spike in traffic fatalities—36 in total for 2023, significantly higher than the usual mid to low 20s—Gentry stressed the urgency of these changes. The city is looking closely at main roads like Chapman Highway, Magnolia Avenue, and Broadway, where the risk is more pronounced.
Community Voices Matter
Knoxville residents are echoing the need for improvements. Reuben Mitchell, a local resident from East Knoxville, expressed his concerns about the dangers of speeding and racing on Magnolia Avenue, stating, “So many accidents right here; it’s dangerous, and lives have been lost.”
Data obtained revealed a troubling situation. Since 2022, Magnolia Avenue, particularly a three-mile stretch, has been the scene of 13 serious crashes that resulted in seven deaths. Mitchell suggested implementing roundabouts at major intersections like Cherry and Magnolia to curb reckless driving. “I’d do anything to stop people from running lights, speeding, and racing,” he emphasized.
Quick Builds for Lasting Change
Although Vision Zero is a long-term project slated to last until 2040, there are immediate changes taking place. Gentry referred to these as “quick build projects,” which focus on implementing effective improvements as rapidly and cost-effectively as possible. “We want to get something on the ground quickly while still achieving our desired results,” he explained. This agile approach ensures that actions can be taken promptly to address safety concerns.
The residents of Knoxville are beginning to feel the impact of these initiatives, with quick changes at dangerous intersections acting as a preliminary step towards a larger movement aimed at creating a safer community.
A Brighter, Safer Future
As Knoxville moves forward with Vision Zero, residents are hopeful for a future where they can traverse their city with confidence, safety, and peace of mind. The goal is not just to lower numbers, but to ensure that every resident, driver, and pedestrian can enjoy their streets without fear. With continued community involvement and city commitment, there’s every reason to believe that a safer Knoxville is not just a dream, but a goal within reach.
