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A resolution urging the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to increase traffic enforcement and the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure to improve the physical environment for everyone using the road.
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WHEREAS, speeding and dangerous driving are serious concerns for Nashvillians with fatalities related to traffic accidents increasing nearly 75% over a five-year period, from 80 in 2018 to 139 in 2023; and
WHEREAS, Vision Zero is an international strategy implemented in Nashville by the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (“NDOT”) to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Nashville roads; and
WHEREAS, Vision Zero focuses on the five Es - Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Evaluation, and Enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the fifth E, Enforcement, cannot be overlooked and is essential to the success of Vision Zero; and
WHEREAS, enforcement is critical for producing safe and responsible behaviors on the road and building respect among road users; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) is charged with enforcing moving violations, however, traffic stops by MNPD dropped from 200,546 in 2018 to 29,516 in 2023, a reduction of over 85%; and
WHEREAS, MNPD must increase traffic enforcement in order to keep Nashvillians safe on roads across Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, the first E, Engineering, means improving the physical environment for everyone using the road; and
WHEREAS, engineering can be improved through the planning, policy, design, and traffic control devices; and
WHEREAS, better enforcement and engineering will help make roads safer for all who use them.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY THAT:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council goes on record as urging the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to increase traffic enforcement and the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure to improve the physical environment for everyone using the road through engineering.
Section 2. That the Metropolitan County Council further requests the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department provide to the Council a plan for increased traffic enforcement, including any requests for additional resources that could be provided by the Council, by March 31, 2025.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.