As students begin the new school year, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is blanketing Santa Clara County with reminders to drivers: “Slow Down! Keep Families Safe.”

VTA introduced a county-wide messaging campaign Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. next to Homestead High School in Cupertino that amplifies San Jose’s Vision Zero advocacy.  Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.

The new campaign encourages drivers to watch out for bicyclists and pedestrians and slow down on streets and roads throughout the 15 cities and towns in Santa Clara County.

Messaging will be seen on VTA buses, bus shelters, light rail trains, social media and various internet sites.

“As the Congestion Management Agency for Santa Clara County, VTA works to enhance safety for bicyclists and pedestrians by funding and building infrastructure including separated bike lanes and trails, Complete Streets concepts, and supporting safety education programs,” said VTA Board Chair Pat Burt, also a Palo Alto City Councilmember.

The press conference to introduce VTA’s campaign featured VTA Board member and San Jose City Councilmember Pam Foley, who is also the Chair of San Jose’s Vision Zero program.

“This campaign has a simple, but vital message: ‘Slow Down,” said Foley. “I am very proud that at VTA we are expanding this message beyond just San José to the entirety of Santa Clara County. The simple decision to slow down could save a life!”

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, also a VTA Board member, took part in the news event as well, urging the community to heed this request: “As our children return to school, let’s all take a moment to remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

Other participants included VTA Board Member Omar Din, a Sunnyvale City Councilmember, VTA Board Member Sergio Lopez, a Campbell City Councilmember, Greg Giglio, principal of Homestead High School, Stacy Bannerjee, Chair of VTA's Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and Angelica Diaz of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department.

A live streamed recording of the news conference can be seen on VTA’s Facebook page.