Jacksonville Receives $1M for Vision Zero Road Safety Projects
As of October 8, Jacksonville has seen 22,712 traffic crashes and 118 traffic fatalities in 2024. Pedestrians are particularly at risk due to the city's infrastructure, which favors vehicular traffic. Its wide, high-speed roads that prioritize vehicles, poorly marked or scarce crosswalks, inadequate sidewalks, and insufficient street lighting all make walking unsafe and contribute to pedestrian accidents.
To address this issue, city officials plan to implement Vision Zero road safety projects, thanks to a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. This funding is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with the goal of reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries on the city's streets.
The grant will fund "quick-build" safety projects, which involve temporary installations designed to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. These projects could include enhanced intersection crossings and several miles of bike lanes protected by curbs or bollards.
If these designs prove effective and receive positive community feedback, they could become permanent features of Jacksonville's streets. The quick-build approach allows the city to implement changes rapidly while gauging their impact in real-time.
How does this align with Jacksonville's Vision Zero?
These safety measures are part of Jacksonville's broader Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities. The City of Jacksonville is working on its first Vision Zero Action Plan, which is expected to be completed in early 2025. Community input will be a key factor in determining which safety projects move forward and become permanent fixtures.
Once the Vision Zero Action Plan is finalized, the city plans to swiftly transition from planning to construction. These efforts will solidify Jacksonville's commitment to making streets safer for everyone—pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers alike. With community engagement and a focus on immediate safety improvements, Jacksonville is taking steps toward a future where its roadways are safer for all.
What is the leading cause of traffic accidents in Jacksonville?
According to a 2022 crash report from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Duval County had 24,358 crashes, with 15,993 injuries and 150 fatalities. The leading cause of traffic accidents in Duval County is alcohol impairment. In 2022, the county had 346 total crashes, with 29 fatalities and 197 injuries from drunk driving alone.
The report also shows that drug impairment led to 45 total crashes, with 35 fatalities and 26 injuries. Driving under the influence of both drugs and alcohol led to 39 total crashes, with 38 fatalities and 23 injuries.
Other common causes of traffic accidents in the greater Jacksonville area include distracted driving, speeding, aggressive driving, and drowsy driving.
The vulnerable road users most affected were:
- Bicyclists: 289 crashes, 5 fatalities, and 272 injuries
- Motorcyclists: 485 crashes, 31 fatalities, and 417 injuries
- Pedestrians: 527 crashes, 43 fatalities, and 454 injuries
Additionally, 2,803 crashes in Duval County involved commercial motor vehicles, which led to 10 fatalities and 801 injuries.
Pedestrian accident claims can be complex
Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, often resulting in life-altering consequences for victims. The physical injuries sustained in these accidents are often severe, ranging from broken bones and head trauma to spinal cord injuries and internal organ damage. Recovery from such injuries can be lengthy and may require extensive medical treatments, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation, leaving victims facing a long road to physical healing.
Unfortunately, insurance companies frequently try to minimize payouts or deny claims, even when a driver is clearly at fault. They may offer lowball settlements that don't begin to cover the full extent of the medical expenses, lost income, and other costs. That's why it's crucial for victims to have legal representation to fight for the compensation they deserve and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Fighting for injured pedestrians
The experienced Jacksonville attorneys at Pajcic & Pajcic protect the rights of injured pedestrians and fight for fair compensation.
If you were hit and injured by a negligent driver, our legal team can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf. We'll handle the insurance companies and complicated paperwork so you can focus on your recovery.
Our law firm has decades of experience representing clients in Jacksonville and surrounding areas, and our case results prove it:
- $4.3 million verdict in a distracted driving case.
- $5.25 million for a deadly truck accident.
- $3.5 million for a drunk driving crash after a holiday party.
To see how we can help with your potential legal case, contact us online or call our Jacksonville law office today for a free consultation.