New Traffic Fatality Protocol Requiring Public Disclosure of Information within 14 Days

SAN FRANCISCO — Supervisor Preston today announced significant changes to how the city responds after a traffic fatality. The newly released plan will provide greater transparency by requiring SFMTA, DPH, and SFPD to display publicly online and at the fatality site information on what led to the crash, SFMTA notes on actions and observations, access to the traffic fatality tracker, and an update on SFPD’s investigation.

Under the new protocol, MTA will post the information online within 14 days, and update it thereafter. Signs with links to further information will be posted at the site of the fatality. In-person outreach at the crash site will also be added when staffing allows. MTA will also add a new quarterly detailed report on any fatalities at public MTA Board meetings.

“This is a major change in how our City responds after these tragedies. After a traffic fatality, City staff do a lot of work behind the scenes, but the public is left out of the conversation,” said Supervisor Preston. “This new protocol will ensure that family members, friends of the victim, neighbors, and advocates promptly get information about what happened and how the City plans to take action to prevent further fatalities. Until our City achieves our Vision Zero goals, this is the least we can do.”

The City currently has a Vision Zero Traffic Fatality Protocol that requires MTA to convene a Rapid Response call with DPH and SFPD within a week of a traffic fatality, along with other requirements, however, the current protocol does not include any public-facing disclosures or information, except for monthly reporting of the number and location of incidents on the Vision Zero Website.

The existing program fell short of meaningfully engaging the public and responding to community concerns, prompting Preston to introduce a resolution at the Board of Supervisors calling for a public facing process to acknowledge the loss of life, and share more in depth information to the community about the circumstances, investigation, and ongoing and planned safety respons es. Following a hearing on the resolution, Preston and the MTA reached an agreement on changes that will fundamentally change post-fatality protocols to add public engagement and transparency.

“The aftermath of a fatal crash leaves many questions, including details on the circumstances of the crash and what type of street design changes could have prevented the crash,” said Jodie Medeiros, Executive Director of Walk SF. “This transparency will bring greater accountability on Vision Zero for the City, plus helps communities understand what's happening on their streets -- and mobilize for changes.”

The newly announced plan is live and can be found here.

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