Yesterday, I learned about yet another crash in the City in which a driver hit and killed a pedestrian. Richmond Police Department's Crash Team is actively investigating this tragic incident-the second pedestrian death in just over a week.

It's another heartbreaking loss, and my thoughts are with the family of the victim.

Just this past October, on Halloween, one of the deadliest nights of the year for pedestrians, I gathered with community members, advocates, policy makers, members of the City's transportation teams, RPD, and others to reaffirm our commitment to Vision Zero, the City's goal to eliminate traffic deaths.

Today, in light of this recent tragedy, I am asking my team to identify urgent opportunities to improve safety for residents who walk, ride, or roll on the Southside, while also prioritizing critical Vision Zero policies that require longer-term implementation. We know the strategies that work-lowering speed limits in residential areas, creating high-visibility crosswalks, adding curb extensions, creating more protected bike and bus lanes-and we need to move with urgency and precision to focus our investments in the places they will matter most.

As I shared last week, I have also asked my Chief Administrative Officer to consider immediate actions that can increase safety at the downtown intersection on East Broad Street and 10th where a pedestrian was hit and killed by driver while crossing in a crosswalk. I have spoken with VCU Health leadership, and I know VCU is also committed to addressing these safety issues alongside the City.

Finally, I urge every driver: slow down, put your phone away. We cannot accept traffic deaths as normal. The only way we will achieve the goal of zero traffic-related deaths, is by committing to a culture of safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and changing our behaviors to prioritize safety for all.

-Danny