Cameron County, recognizing the significant emotional and economic impact of the 98,000+ traffic crashes and 350+ fatalities within the County over the last decade, has made a commitment to the Vision Zero goal. On August 23rd 2022 the Cameron County Commissioners Court adopted the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries on County Roadways by the year 2050. Through this resolution, Resolution 2022 R08073, the Commissioners Court directed the Cameron County Department of Transportation and County staff to consider safety the highest priority for County roadways.
The 2022 Cameron County Safety Action Plan was funded by Cameron County Commissioner’s Court as a critical first step in advancing a Vision Zero philosophy across the region. The Cameron County, in coordination with all the incorporated cities and towns (Brownsville, Harlingen, San Benito, Los Fresnos, Port Isabel, South Padre Island) with the Cameron County Department of Transportation serving as the lead to develop the plan to address travel safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians within Cameron County. On September 13th 2022, the Cameron County adopted the 2022 Cameron County Safety Action Plan through Resolution R09078.
VISION ZERO TASK FORCE
The Cameron County Safety Action Plan was developed in coordination with the communities of Brownsville, Harlingen, San Benito, Los Fresnos, Port Isabel, and South Padre Island to address travel safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians within Cameron County. On September 13th, 2022, Cameron County adopted the 2022 Cameron County Safety Action Plan through Resolution R09078. This resolution also established a Vision Zero Task Force under the leadership of the Cameron County Department of Transportation to further refine the Safety Action Plan.
The Task Force is comprised of representatives from public safety (County Constables, Municipal Law Enforcement, and Fire Marshals), public health (County Health Department), and the general public (appointees). It is tasked with the continual assessment, amending, and updating of the Cameron County Safety Action Plan. The Vision Zero Task Force aims to achieve the County’s goal of eliminating deaths and serious injuries on County roads.
Currently, the Task Force is pending appointees from the Commissioners Court but is projected to meet next in Fall of 2024. Additionally, the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (RGVMPO) is developing a Safety Action Plan in which the County, the County Department of Transportation, and the County Vision Zero Task Force are planned to participate in the development of the region wide Safety Action Plan.