Vision Zero Initiative remembers victims of Charlotte traffic-related crashes

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Almost 150 people died in Charlotte from 2017-2018 due to traffic-related incidents and on Sunday, the city and families remembered those who died as they push for safer streets.

145 pairs of shoes were laid out, each representing a person who died on Charlotte roads in the last two years, either in a car crash, pedestrian collision or bike crash.

William Ratliff's daughter was a college student who was getting off the city bus and crossing the street when a car hit her in the median.

"These were the actual shoes she was wearing the night of her death," Ratliff said. "It caused me a great loss, a lot of pain."

The Charlotte Transportation Department has taken on the Vision Zero Initiative with a goal of having no deadly crashes by 2030, but the victims' families said unless drivers get on board, it won't be effective.

The city said the initiative has three parts, which include the engineering of roads, enforcement and educating the public.

"A surprising number of our crashes were not wearing seat belts in the last two years, 40 percent," said Angela Berry with the City of Charlotte Department of Transportation.

Henry Wheeler's brother was hit on his way to work by a distracted driver. He hoped others will think about his loss when they get behind the wheel.

"We have a lot in place for vehicles but not a lot for pedestrians and I would like to see that change," Wheeler said. "Just pull over. It takes a minute to send a text."

Last month, Channel 9 reviewed a new report showing pedestrian deaths are higher now than they've been in nearly 30 years.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found more than 6,000 pedestrians died nationwide last year.

New York City was the first U.S. city to adopt Vision Zero and transportation officials said since doing so, it's seen deadly crashes reduced by 20 percent.

Cox Media Group