Vision Zero Montclair

What is Montclair's Vision Zero Initiative?

Montclair’s Vision Zero Initiative has one goal: to eliminate all traffic related deaths and injuries by 2028.

Every person in Montclair has the right to travel safely each day, without the risk of death or serious injuries on our roadways, no matter how or when they travel.

ZERO is the only acceptable number of deaths on our roadways.

Vision Zero describes a shift in transportation mindset and approach. It’s a strategy to end traffic fatalities and reduce severe injuries by increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all. Vision Zero is based on five key principles:

● Traffic deaths and severe injuries are preventable.
● Human life and health are prioritized within all aspects of transportation systems.
● Human error is inevitable, and transportation systems should be forgiving.
● Safety work should focus on systems-level change above influencing individual behavior.
● Speed is recognized as the fundamental factor in crash severity.

How will Vision Zero get to zero deaths?

Making our streets safer requires shifting the status quo and taking a long-term approach in how we think about our streets. Here are some fundamental ways Vision Zero shifts the mindset and process.

What was the Montclair Vision Zero Task Force?

The Montclair Vision Zero Task Force was formed in 2023, bringing together the Mayor, Council, Township staff, County commissioner, County engineers, and local advocates together with one shared purpose: to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries on our streets. In the spring of 2025, the Task Force adopted a Complete Streets Policy, which established a Complete Streets Director and Oversight Board. This board will continue the work of the Vision Zero Task Force, ensuring ongoing coordination and accountability between all stakeholders to enhance safety and accessibility for all transportation modes.

What did the Task Force accomplish?

Identified and mapped crash data from 2021 - 2023, looking at high-crash and high-injury corridors to identify Montclair's most dangerous intersections and streets, and also mapped the most vulnerable communities most affected by traffic violence.
Secured a Safe Streets for all (SSFA) Federal grant of $400,000 to develop Action Plans and demonstration projects addressing street safety and street design.
Enhanced communications between residents and the task force with the creation of a Task Force website, social media, and newsletter.
Reduced speed limits in several areas
- All Township roads are now 25 mph
- School zones are now 20 mph
- Advocated with Essex County to lower Upper Mountain Ave, Valley Road, and Grove Street to 25mph
Implemented several traffic calming measures, including
- 4-way stop signs at five priority intersections
- Re-striped Harrison Ave to narrow the travel lane and create a larger shoulder for bicyclists and pedestrian foot traffic
- Installed reflective delineators at nine locations which slows traffic and protects pedestrians

What is the Safe Systems Approach?

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Systems Approach echoes the core principles shared by Vision Zero.

Death and serious injuries are unacceptable
People make mistakes
Humans are vulnerable
Responsibility is shared
Safety is Proactive
Redundancy is crucial

The Safe System's Approach facilitates safer roads, and better post-crash care. Click here to learn more.