Omaha eyes dangerous roads as Vision Zero push continues

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – For the second time, Nebraskans joined in a day of reflection to remember those killed in traffic accidents.

“It is our shared responsibility to be better drivers and pay more attention.”

So far this year, 221 people have lost their lives on Nebraska roads. Candles at a ceremony Thursday commemorated each of them.

National Safety Council experts say traffic accidents are the leading cause of preventable deaths in Nebraska.

In 2023, the Approved by the Omaha City Council he Vision Zero plan aimed at reducing traffic deaths in the city to zero. Mayor Jean Stothert says Omaha has a long way to go.

“Traffic deaths and serious injuries from accidents have increased at an alarming rate,” he said Thursday. “This year in Omaha, the loss is great: more than three times as many homicides are traffic deaths in the city of Omaha.”

There are 41 candles, a figure that the mayor considers “unacceptable.”

“And some of them, when you look at what happened, are just horrible. Things that happen at 2 and 3 in the morning; traffic speeds up to 170 miles per hour; people who are drunk at 2 in the morning with children in the car. we had one with a one day old baby! I mean, these are just unacceptable; so this is something very important and a priority for me,” he said.

Stothert said some safety improvements have already been implemented and others are on the way.

“Roundabouts, for example, are something I really support, as is our Department of Public Works“, said.

The mayor said these traffic calming devices reduce two main causes of road accidents: running red lights and speeding.

Stothert said new road projects throughout the city include enhanced safety requirements for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Omaha Police also continually do their part to keep our streets safe.

“We have selective enforcement units that go out and execute operations,” OPD Lt. Danny Flynn told 6 News. “We have grants that are going on all the time: Click-It Ticket grants, Drink, Drive, Lose grants. As a department, our selective units run operations throughout the month. We’re doing sort of a joint one with NSP, Douglas County, just trying to make sure people understand that we’re out there and we’re doing our job. And if they’re breaking the law, they’re going to get fined for it.”

Federal funds are also being used to study corridors with high mortality rates:

• Ames Avenue, from Florence Boulevard to 72nd Street
• Cuming Street/NW Radial Highway/Military Avenue, between 27th and 72nd Streets
• downtown, from the Missouri River to Saddle Creek Road, from Cuming to Leavenworth streets
• West Maple Road from Interstate 680 to Waterloo

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Check the First Alert 6 Traffic Blog for the latest updates.

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