Traffic Safety and Vision Zero

Mission

DDOT shall:

• Ensure that the safety of the District's transportation system and public are of paramount importance in all agency activities;
• develop and implement transportation safety programs that promote the safety of the commuting public;
• incorporate transportation safety features in the development, design, and construction of pedestrian, bicycle, motor vehicle, and mass transportation facilities and programs;
• develop and design all agency transportation projects to ensure that public safety is maintained at all times.

DDOT is committed to making District streets safer for all roadway users while providing multimodal mobility and access for residents, visitors, and commercial users. A combination of traffic control devices and traffic calming measures can help meet both goals. DDOT has a full portfolio of proactive, data-based safety efforts. In addition, our Traffic Safety Input (TSI) program provides a mechanism for DDOT to hear from residents on roadway segments and intersections where users have safety concerns. 

Procedures & Services

DDOT develops and maintains a number of transportation safety programs for District residents and the public, such as the Child Safety Seat Program and Vision Zero. 

Vision Zero is a part of Mayor Bowser’s response to the US Department of Transportation’s Mayor’s Challenge for Safer People and Safer Streets, which aims to improve pedestrian and bicycle transportation safety by showcasing effective local actions, empowering local leaders to take action, and promoting partnerships to advance safety for all traveling on District streets. DDOT is one agency of many working on the Vision Zero initiative.

Vision Zero 2022 Update 

Distracted Driving

Beginning July 1, 2004, it is illegal for motorists to use a mobile phone or other electronic device while driving in the District of Columbia, unless the telephone or device is equipped with a hands-free accessory. The Distracted Driving Safety Act of 2004 is designed to improve traffic safety in DC by reducing the number of crashes caused by inattentive drivers who become distracted by the use of phones or other electronic devices. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is the agency responsible for enforcement of the Distracted Driving Safety Act of 2004. 

Vehicle Crash Data/Forms

In the event of a vehicle crash where no police report was taken, residents should fill out the forms below and submit them to DDOT. Only report property damage, and submit them within five (5) days of the crash. DDOT uses the completed forms to collect information that facilitates the implementation of safety programs.

• Motor Vehicle Accident Report Form
• https://opendata.dc.gov/datasets/70392a096a8e431381f1f692aaa06afd/explore

Federal Compliance

DDOT shall procure and administer Federal funds in support of the District of Columbia's Highway Safety Program, as required by the National Traffic Safety Administration (NTSHA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Highway Safety Improvement Program

DDOT develops and maintains a number of transportation safety programs for District residents and the public, such as the Child Safety Seat Program and Vision Zero. 

Vision Zero is a part of Mayor Bowser’s response to the US Department of Transportation’s Mayor’s Challenge for Safer People and Safer Streets, which aims to improve pedestrian and bicycle transportation safety by showcasing effective local actions, empowering local leaders to take action, and promoting partnerships to advance safety for all traveling on District streets. DDOT is one agency of many working on the Vision Zero initiative.

District of Columbia Highway Safety Improvement Program Handbook

Roadway Safety Audits

Road safety audits (RSAs) are a proactive approach to improving transportation safety. A RSA is an examination of a future or existing roadway, in which an independent, qualified auditor reports on safety issues. It is a way for DDOT to improve safety and communicate to the public how DDOT is proactively working towards crash reduction. The step-by-step procedure of a RSA can be performed during any or all stages of a project, including planning, preliminary design, detailed design, traffic control planning, construction, pre-opening, and on existing roads. For an existing road, the RSA is effectively a review and is discussed as a road safety audit review (RSAR). 

Roadway Safety Audit Process

See Related

• Page:
  Bicycle Access and Safety (Compendium)
• Page:
  Bicycle Lanes (Compendium)
• Page:
  Streetlights (Compendium)
• Page:
  Sidewalks (Compendium)
• Page:
  Trails Program (Compendium)
• Page:
  School Loading and Unloading (Compendium)
• Page:
  School Crossing Guards (Compendium)
• Page:
  Safe Routes to Schools (Compendium)
• Page:
  Traffic Safety and Vision Zero (Compendium)
• Page:
  Pedestrian Access and Safety (Compendium)
• Page:
  Miscellaneous Vehicles (Compendium)
• Page:
  goDCgo (Compendium)
• Page:
  Capital Bikeshare (Compendium)
• Page:
  Bicycle Parking (Compendium)