Will County Approves Vision Zero Initiative to Reduce Traffic Fatalities

Will County has officially adopted Vision Zero, a data-driven safety initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities throughout the county.

The Public Works and Transportation Committee unanimously approved the resolution, which recognizes that Will County has a higher fatality rate compared to other areas in Northeastern Illinois, according to data from the county’s safety action plan.

County Engineer Jeff Ronaldson explained that the initiative will incorporate safety elements into roadway design and foster collaboration with regional partners.

“This resolution is saying that Will County wants to use data and work with our partners to incorporate safety into design and work toward a goal of zero fatalities,” Ronaldson told committee members. “We’ll take interim steps as we develop projects.”

The approach involves multiple stakeholders beyond the Department of Transportation. “Enforcement plays a big part in these safety things. Education is a big thing, and people driving the way they should be driving,” Ronaldson said. “It needs to be a collaborative effort.”

Committee member Jackie Traynere praised the initiative, noting the Sheriff’s Department already demonstrates strong responsiveness through its app. “I’ve seen personally that they do respond,” she said.

Committee member Steve Balich raised concerns about enforcement consistency, citing a previous incident where a political sign blocked visibility at an intersection during construction, creating a safety hazard that wasn’t addressed despite multiple calls.

Member Raquel Mitchell pointed to the department’s proactive approach, highlighting how Ronaldson responded to concerns about truck traffic on a county highway by installing turn lanes. “As far as I know, there has not been an accident since those right-turn lanes have been installed,” she said.

The resolution formalizes the county’s commitment to improving roadway safety and is a required step for the county’s safety action plan to be federally recognized.