National League of Cities Joins Leadership of “Road to Zero” Campaign to End Roadway Deaths

WASHINGTON — November 5, 2018 — Tomorrow, the National League of Cities (NLC) will host the steering group of Road to Zero, a safety coalition with the goal to eliminate traffic deaths within 30 years. Organized by the National Safety Council and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Road to Zero represents the first time such a large number of diverse organizations have collaborated to address motor vehicle fatalities, which recently increased after years of decline. New steering group members joining the initiative include NLC, FIA Foundation, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association and the Trucking Alliance.

“Road to Zero is an incredible partnership that brings together cities and like-minded organizations focused on eliminating traffic fatalities on our roadways,” said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities (NLC). “The National League of Cities looks forward to elevating the voice of cities on the initiative’s steering group and continuing to support our members that are leading the way to safer streets. Building safer infrastructure goes hand-in-hand with NLC’s tireless call for the federal government to join cities in rebuilding and reimagining America’s troubled transportation system.”

The Road to Zero Coalition has released a comprehensive report laying out key strategies to end motor vehicle fatalities in the United States by 2050. This coalition’s formation is the first instance of so many organizations jointly putting forth an action plan to address roadway deaths. The report identifies three main initiatives to reduce roadway fatalities:

• Double down on what works through proven, evidence-based strategies
• Advance life-saving technology in vehicles and infrastructure
• Prioritize safety by adopting a safe systems approach and creating a positive safety culture

“As one of the largest associations representing local governments, the National League of Cities will be an excellent addition to the leadership of Road to Zero,” said Debbie Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council and Road to Zero chair. “With over 150 local partners already participating in Road to Zero as coalition members, we are excited to welcome NLC to the steering group and continue working together to end roadway fatalities.”

NLC is joining American Automobile Association, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, Advocates for Auto and Highway Safety, American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials, Institute of Transportation Engineers, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Intelligent Car Coalition, International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Association of City Transportation Officials, National Association of State Emergency Medical Service Officials and Vision Zero Network on the national steering group. To ensure strong, stable and engaged leadership, members of the steering group commit for 18 to 36 months of service. 

Thousands of city leaders will gather November 7-10 in Los Angeles, California, for NLC’s annual City Summit conference. City Summit is the only national meeting that offers best practices and networking opportunities for both elected officials and city staff.