OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Do reports of deadly crashes and pedestrians getting hit by cars seem to be happening more often? Well, the City of Oklahoma City says numbers for those types of incidents have been climbing.
The city has created an action plan they hope helps turn the corner on a dangerous and deadly trend.
It starts with the community; the city is taking input from thousands of residents in areas around the metro that are considered dangerous.
This is something the city says has to be addressed now, or they will surpass their record number of roadway deaths set back in 2021.
"We want to take a big multi-prong approach to trying to bring that number down," said Justin Henry, Transportation Program Planner.
Oklahoma City is trying to pave the way to safer streets after setting a record three years ago with 99 roadway deaths.
"We've seen a little bit of increase in speeding-related fatalities," Henry said. "Some spots where lack of lighting in intersections, we think is contributing to extra crashes."
Henry told News 4 that over the summer they had a "Vision Zero Action Plan," which brought in the community to help tell the city know where the most dangerous areas are.
Fast forward to Thursday, the city released an interactive draft of the action plan online.
Locations outlined in the blue are where they are looking to address, with icons used to show problems that drivers say are in the area.
Hundreds have already took to it and described problems they have heard or seen.
Henry released this statement Thursday on the interactive draft.
Vision Zero is a comprehensive plan designed to ensure everyone who lives, works or travels in Oklahoma City can do so safely. The plan was compiled using crash data and over 1,200 comments from residents, and now, people can provide further input by reviewing the draft plan. Each piece of feedback helps play a vital role in shaping a safer, more connected future for our community.
Justin Henry, Transportation Program Planner
The plan is available for public review and comment until January 8.
