Committee Transitions from Data Analysis to Identification of Safety Countermeasures
The Gardner Vision Zero Action Committee meeting on May 13, 2026 made the transition from simply analyzing past data to proactive future safety measures. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Central to the project is the development of a High Injury Network (HIN), which identifies specific roadway segments and intersections where fatal and serious injury crashes are concentrated.
Key findings indicate that speed is the primary factor affecting crash severity in Gardner, with data showing that a pedestrian’s survival rate drops from 95% at 20 mph to only 15% at 40 mph. Public outreach efforts have successfully garnered over 120 comments, highlighting critical safety concerns at intersections like Parker Street and West Broadway.
Moving forward, the committee aims to implement “demonstration projects”—specifically temporary speed cushions—to test the effectiveness of traffic calming measures before permanent installation.
The project is on track to produce a final Safety Action Plan by the end of the year.
Key Public Concerns
- Route 2: Cited as unfriendly for bicyclists.
- Speeding: Specifically noted along Pearl Street (near schools) and Chestnut Street.
- Pedestrian Facilities: Lack of adequate crossings at West Broadway and Timpany Boulevard.
- Driver Behavior: Confusion regarding yielding at the intersection of West, Parker, and Oak Streets.
Primary Roadway Segments of Concern
| Segment | Crash Statistics | Key Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Timpany Blvd | 333 total crashes; 8 vulnerable users | Wide roads, failure to yield, improper lane use. |
| Main Street | 215 total crashes; 13 vulnerable users | High pedestrian volume, careless operation, speeding. |
| West Broadway | 65 total crashes; 3 fatal injuries | Sight distance issues, sidewalk gaps, speeding. |
| Pleasant Street | 39 total crashes; 5 vulnerable users | Inattention, disregard for traffic signals. |
Critical Intersections
- Parker, Oak, and West Streets: 67 crashes, including 3 serious injuries. Issues include rear-end collisions near crosswalks and challenging geometry.
- Timpany Blvd at West Broadway: 64 crashes. Identified lack of pedestrian signal heads and insufficient “protected” crossing time (only 15–20 seconds).
- Pearson Blvd at Elm Street: Concerns regarding a “protected” green arrow that may lead to driver inattention toward exiting vehicles and pedestrians.
- Central St at Pine St: 17 crashes; 6 involving vulnerable users. Proximity to bus stops and visibility issues due to parked cars were noted.