Sen. Werner’s Bold Push to Dismantle ‘Vision Zero’ in Federal Transportation Planning

By Matthew Holloway |

A motion urging President Donald Trump and Congress to abolish the “Vision Zero” transportation framework is progressing in the Arizona legislature. Senate Concurrent Memorial (SCM) 1002, introduced by State Senator Carine Werner and supported by Senators Angius, Carroll, Gowan, and Shope, claims the “Vision Zero” approach misguides transportation engineering. It relies on a one-size-fits-all model advocating for lower speed limits, narrower roads, and strict traffic enforcement.

The measure highlights troubling trends in major U.S. cities. New York City recorded its highest traffic fatalities in a decade, while Los Angeles hit a 22-year high in fatalities this year. Seattle has similarly seen a consistent uptick in traffic deaths.

Phoenix initially approved a “Vision Zero” implementation plan in September 2022, reaffirming its commitment as recently as October 2024, with a $10 million annual budget. However, despite a reported decline in serious accidents, deadly crashes in the city have risen, prompting Street Transportation Director Joe Brown to acknowledge mixed results. The city aims for zero traffic deaths by 2050, which Brown describes as ambitious yet still requiring improvement in certain areas.

Conversely, the Fountain Hills Town Council rebuffed the ‘Vision Zero Road Diet Plan’ in January, voting 5-2 against it. Council members, including Allen Skillicorn and Mayor Gerry Friedel, called the plan problematic due to its integration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles unrelated to traffic safety. “How is this plan racially equitable? Climate change, how does that relate to streets?” questioned Councilwoman Gayle Earle.

In her remarks, Werner cited alarming statistics from other cities. After adopting “Vision Zero,” Denver experienced a 33% rise in traffic fatalities over the subsequent five years. Meanwhile, Portland’s city auditor reported a doubling of fatalities attributed to “Vision Zero” policies, despite efforts like reduced speed limits and enhanced road safety measures.

In a concluding statement, the Senate urged federal leaders to dismantle Vision Zero and the associated safe systems approach, advocating instead for transportation strategies that rely on sound engineering, effective safety outcomes, and flexible innovation without sacrificing individual liberties or economic efficiency.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.