Vision Zero Initiative Faces Scrutiny As Omaha Sees Record Traffic Deaths

In 2024, 43 people tragically lost their lives on Omaha’s roads. This marks a heartbreaking increase of 12 fatalities from the previous year. These record traffic deaths come despite the city’s launch of its Vision Zero initiative in 2023, which is a plan to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2045.

What is the community saying about Omaha's record traffic deaths?

While the Vision Zero plan focuses on long-term safety improvements, it has sparked concern and debate within the community. Central Omaha neighborhood reporter Molly Hudson has spent the past year speaking with neighbors and city leaders about the challenges of making this vision a reality.

Steve Wesley, who lives along Northwest Radial Highway, refers to "speeding and flying down, racing and all that stuff" as an everyday fear. Nearby, Sheelytown Market owner Amelia Rosser wonders if her young son will ever be able to walk to school safely.

City officials acknowledge the challenges of preventing roadway accidents but remain committed to the plan. “This is a long-term plan, there is always going to be ups and downs,” said Vision Zero coordinator Jeff Sobczyk. Still, the increase in fatalities leaves some residents questioning whether the plan is realistic or achievable.

Pat Venditte has taught teens to drive at Cornhusker Driving School since the 1960s. Recently, she has noticed that students now approach driving with more fear than confidence. "They get behind the wheel of the car, and they are nervous from a perspective that shouldn't be, and that's the collateral damage that these drivers are causing," he said.

According to Venditte, accountability on Omaha's roads is lacking. Like many others, he believes meaningful change will require leadership at every level. "I hope in the wisdom of our leaders, at the national level or at the local level, that just maybe this might come to fruition," he said.

What are the common causes of traffic deaths in Omaha?

Most of Omaha's traffic deaths are completely avoidable and are caused primarily by human error. The most common causes include:

• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. Speeding is a leading contributor to fatal accidents in Omaha and nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding resulted in 12,151 traffic fatalities across the United States in 2022.
• Drunk driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, often leading to deadly car accidents. The NHTSA reports that drunk driving killed 13,524 people in 2022.
• Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert attention from the road. Distracted driving has become a significant cause of fatal accidents, resulting in 3,308 traffic deaths in 2022.
• Running red lights or stop signs: Failing to obey traffic signals often leads to high-impact collisions, especially at busy intersections.
• Reckless driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and other aggressive behaviors increase the likelihood of fatal crashes.

Our Omaha car accident lawyers fight for crash victims

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or tragically lost a loved one in an Omaha crash, Ausman Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O. is here to help you pick up the pieces. We’ve stood beside clients like you and helped them get answers, justice, and fair compensation. We know the challenges you’re facing, from mounting medical bills to dealing with pushy insurance companies. While you focus on healing, we’ll fight tirelessly to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

Our law firm makes the legal process as stress-free as possible. Our contingency fee arrangement means you don’t have to worry about upfront costs since you pay nothing unless we win your case. When investigating your crash, we can dig deep to uncover the truth, build a strong case for the compensation you deserve, and stand up to insurance companies who try to pay you less.

During your free consultation, we’ll take the time to listen, explain your potential options, and map out the next steps in your case. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how we can help, whether it’s through negotiations or a courtroom trial.

Contact us online or call us today to get the compassionate, experienced representation you need to protect your rights and move forward.

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