The City of Atlanta has appointed Propel ATL Executive Director Rebecca Serna to a commission to review all fatal vehicle collisions on the city’s surface streets. The City established the Atlanta Fatal Vehicle Collision Review Commission on June 20, 2023 after months of work on the part of Propel ATL advocating for a unit to examine the root causes behind fatal crashes, and with the support of City Councilmember Dustin Hillis.

Rebecca Serna and Geoving Gerard (l) at the Nov. 8, 2023 Atlanta City Council Transportation Committee meeting

The commission, whose other members include representatives from the Atlanta Department of Transportation and the Atlanta Police Department, is designed to help advance the city’s goals under Atlanta’s Vision Zero plan. The City adopted Vision Zero, an internationally proven strategy aimed at preventing deaths and serious injuries by making roads safer for everyone, in March 2020. 

Boston, New York, and Denver have all established similar units under their Vision Zero plans. 

At the November 8, 2023 Atlanta City Council Transportation Committee meeting, Atlanta resident Geoving Gerard, who was struck by a hit-and-run driver while biking in southwest Atlanta, spoke in support of Serna’s appointment.

“I am pleased to be part of a commission that has important work to do,” said Serna. “When we examine the reasons behind fatal crashes, we can analyze the street-design issues that contributed to their taking place and propose evidence-based solutions. Through these efforts, we can prevent tragedies, save lives, and create a city that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its residents.”

Propel ATL, formerly known as the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety, envisions an Atlanta where everyone can move safely, easily, and sustainably throughout the city. Propel ATL’s mission is to transform Atlanta’s streets into safe, inclusive, and thriving spaces for people to ride, walk, and roll.

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Contact Name: Rebecca Serna

Contact Phone: 404-881-1112

Contact Email: [email protected]