House Bill 328 aims to enhance roadway safety in New Mexico by enacting a new section of the Motor Vehicle Code that establishes a Vision Zero Plan. This plan is focused on eliminating vehicle-related deaths and serious injuries by the year 2030, aligning New Mexico with a growing number of states and municipalities that have adopted similar safety initiatives. The Vision Zero Plan will include a comprehensive roadway design strategy, a projected budget for its implementation, recommendations for legislative amendments to support its goals, and an evaluation framework to assess its effectiveness.
The bill mandates that the New Mexico Secretary of Transportation develop and present this Vision Zero Plan to relevant legislative committees and the governor by October 31 each year, starting in 2023. The plan is intended to be a living document, subject to updates based on ongoing assessments, and accessible to the public via the department's website by December 1 each year.
A significant aspect of HB328 is the creation of a Vision Zero Coordinator position within the Department of Transportation. This coordinator, appointed by the Secretary, will oversee the implementation of the Vision Zero initiatives and provide support to local governments in developing their traffic safety plans. The qualifications for this role include a master's degree in relevant fields and substantial experience in traffic safety program management.
Proponents of the bill advocate that it will serve as a proactive measure in combating traffic-related fatalities by creating a state-level commitment to safety infrastructure and planning. However, concerns arise regarding the resources needed for effective implementation and whether the proposed measures might adequately address the unique traffic safety challenges faced by various communities within New Mexico. As the Vision Zero Plan unfolds, it will be critical to monitor its impact on traffic safety statistics and community engagement in local planning efforts.