Number of Traffic Fatalities

Data Source: DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) and American Community Survey (ACS) 1-Year Estimates Why This Matters Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the US, with over 40,000 annual deaths and millions of additional injuries. Transportation is critical to accessing work, food, medical care, social events, and more. Yet, many people are injured or die in motor vehicle accidents while accessing these services. When people live in areas where cars drive faster, they are at greater risk of dying while accessing these services. Most people (90%) hit by cars driving 23 miles per hour (mph) survive. Yet, most people (75%) hit by cars driving 50 mph die. Modern transportation and road infrastructure has been shaped by policies of racial segregation and inequitable federal investments. Nationally, individuals who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color are more likely to live near dangerous roadways with fast-moving traffic. They are also more likely to live in communities with less pedestrian infrastructure. The District Response Vision Zero was launched in 2014 to improve road safety and set a goal of zero traffic fatalities or serious injuries. The District Department of Transportation’s Bicycle Lane Program has built over 100 miles of bikes lanes since 2001, including 24 miles of protected bike lanes. Automatic Traffic Enforcement reduces dangerous traffic violations and enhances safety for people travelling by all modes.