In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Coordinator” means the individual designated by the Department to oversee the implementation of Vision Zero throughout the State. “Vision Zero” means a program for planning and developing a State roadway system that has zero vehicle–related deaths or serious injuries.

There is a program within the Department known as Vision Zero.

The purpose of Vision Zero is to develop strategies to make roadways safer for drivers and passengers of motor vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The goal of Vision Zero is to have zero vehicle–related deaths or serious injuries on roadways by the year 2030.

The Department shall designate a coordinator to oversee the implementation of Vision Zero throughout the State. In implementing Vision Zero, the coordinator shall collaborate with other State agencies and local authorities, including local transportation agencies, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and fire and rescue services, to: Identify strategies for achieving the Vision Zero goal established under § 8–1003(b) of this subtitle as enumerated under § 8–1005 of this subtitle; Analyze infrastructure reviews completed under § 8–204.2 of this title; Provide guidance on any other issue directly related to roadway safety; and Advise the Governor and State and local agencies on: The implementation of Vision Zero; Policies, programs, and services affecting traffic safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers and passengers of motor vehicles; and Priorities and needs for roadway safety. The coordinator shall hold a quarterly public meeting on the implementation of Vision Zero with: The Administrator or the Administrator’s designee; The Motor Vehicle Administrator or the Motor Vehicle Administrator’s designee; The Executive Director of the Maryland Transportation Authority or the Executive Director’s designee; and A representative of the Office of the Secretary as designated by the Secretary. The coordinator may request that any other appropriate State or local official participate in or take questions at a quarterly public meeting. At a quarterly public meeting, the participants identified under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall: Address and make recommendations on any Vision Zero development and implementation issues identified by the coordinator under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection; Discuss each infrastructure review completed under § 8–204.2 of this title and analyzed by the coordinator; and Vote to accept the infrastructure review or to return the infrastructure review to the person that conducted it for a response to questions or comments or for further review as appropriate; and Discuss and recommend any guidance or advice for the coordinator to provide under paragraph (1) of this subsection. A quarterly public meeting shall be live streamed. The Department shall maintain on its website a complete and unedited archived video recording of each quarterly public meeting for a minimum of 5 years after the date of the meeting.

The implementation of Vision Zero shall include strategies for: Identifying State and local laws, policies, and regulations that hinder the development and implementation of Vision Zero; Proposing changes to State and local laws to allow for innovative engineering and traffic calming; Creating a Vision Zero website that contains information related to Vision Zero; Collecting and publishing motor vehicle collision data; Connecting with other states and communities that have implemented a similar Vision Zero program; Reviewing existing traffic safety programs to determine their effectiveness; Working with research organizations to develop best practices; Prioritizing resources for investment in the communities most affected by motor vehicle collisions; Proactively engaging community members to address their traffic safety concerns; Developing and publishing a long–term plan for the continued development of Vision Zero; and Investing more resources into construction needs for high–accident intersections and roadway sections.

Funds for Vision Zero shall be as provided by the Governor in the State budget.

On or before December 31 each year, the Department shall submit a report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly that includes: The status of Vision Zero; The activities, and any findings and recommendations, of the coordinator; and A summary of each quarterly public meeting held in the previous year. The Department shall make the report required under subsection (a) of this section available on its website.