Rapid Response Time — Helping to Increase Safety on Boston’s Roadways

We have the opportunity to learn from every accident about how to prevent another one. The Vision Zero Boston Taskforce is instrumental in investigating fatal crashes, introducing ideas for safety improvements and putting those ideas into action. The attorneys at Feinberg & Alban PC are thrilled that the city is stepping up to the plate. During the 70 years since our firm was founded, our lawyers have often sought solutions to roadway safety hazards. Vision Zero is an excellent forum for making changes that help our clients and all Bostonians.

2016 Vision Zero crash site visits and rapid response are positive steps for our city

The Vision Zero Boston Taskforce makes prompt visits to the site of every accident in the city that results in death or serious injuries. The team investigates the accident and recommends improvements to roadway design, laws and community outreach that can make the area safer. Suggested changes that have worked include:

• “Yield to Pedestrian” crosswalk markers to alert drivers about the crosswalk
• “Yield to Pedestrian” signage to alert drivers about the crossing
• Flashing “Yield to Pedestrian” beacons to further alert drivers
• Improved or added crosswalks in high-pedestrian areas
• Pedestrian islands to promote safe crossing of wide streets
• Streetlights in dangerous intersections
• Elimination of curbside and intersection parking to increase visibility
• Improved signal timing to ensure ample time to cross the street
• Speed boards that post drivers’ speeds in real time
• Bike lanes that allow cyclists to safely commute

Our lawyers communicate with the taskforce about dangerous conditions we become aware of through our practice. Our proactive approach has addressed some of the biggest risks on our roadways, including drunk driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, speeding and tailgating.

What is a proactive response to issues?

Rapid response is a key element of the Vision Zero program. By visiting every fatal accident, the Vision Zero Boston Taskforce can initiate effective changes more quickly. In addition, the taskforce maintains an interactive site that allows you to review updated information about dangers, recommendations for improvements and the progress of those improvements. You can also share your thoughts and ideas that could make a difference in effecting change.

Sites of recent Boston auto accidents that triggered taskforce recommendations include:

• Nassau Street, Boston, where a private ambulance hit and killed a 2-year-old boy
• The intersection at Bennington & Saratoga in East Boston, where a local restaurant owner was struck by a car while crossing against the signal at a crosswalk
• 1265 Boylston Street in Fenway, where a man was killed by an Uber driver when he stepped onto the street between two parked vehicles
• The intersection of Kneeland & Harrison Ave. in Chinatown, where a driver ran over two pedestrians who were crossing in the intersection, dragging a woman three miles before he was finally stopped

Our lawyers remain up to date on the latest news published by the taskforce to deliver knowledgeable legal counsel to our clients and to offer our own insights based upon the hundreds of cases we handle.

Understand more about Boston’s Vision Zero Rapid Response program

Boston’s Vision Zero Taskforce helps to improve safety on our streets. However, accidents remain frustratingly common. If you were injured in an accident, call Feinberg & Alban PC at 617-232-5950 or contact us online to discuss your claim at your free consultation.