“Lauren Grove, Vision Zero Coordinator for the City of Durham, has advanced Durham’s Vision Zero efforts by addressing the root causes of traffic-related deaths and serious injuries through her leadership and commitment to systemic change.

Lauren led the expansion of road safety audits on high-injury corridors, bringing together engineers, planners, public health professionals, and community members to identify risks and implement evidence-based solutions. She also played a key role in developing Durham’s Vision Zero Action Plan, establishing a data-driven roadmap that aligns policies, design standards, and enforcement strategies to improve safety for all road users.

In addition, Lauren spearheaded Durham’s Vision Zero dashboard, increasing transparency and access to crash data. Her collaborative leadership, statewide knowledge-sharing, and dedication to meaningful community engagement have strengthened Vision Zero efforts in Durham and across North Carolina, making her highly deserving of this recognition.”

“Reaghan Murphy, Senior Planner (Transportation/GIS) and Vision Zero Coordinator for the City of Belmont, exemplifies the leadership, innovation, and dedication celebrated by the NC Vision Zero Safety Awards. She has been instrumental in developing Belmont’s Vision Zero program, creating a data-driven framework that identifies high-risk corridors and prioritizes lifesaving safety improvements.

Reaghan has championed a proactive approach to traffic safety, fostering collaboration among local government, law enforcement, schools, transportation agencies, and community members. Her ability to build partnerships has strengthened coordination and advanced comprehensive, sustainable safety solutions.

Leveraging her expertise in GIS and transportation planning, she has guided infrastructure, policy, and enforcement strategies that address systemic causes of crashes. Through meaningful community engagement, including public outreach and collaboration with neighborhoods and schools, Reaghan has empowered residents to help shape safer streets. Her work embodies the core principles of Vision Zero and has made a lasting impact on traffic safety in Belmont.”

“Town Manager Parker has worked diligently to bring Safe Streets for All, Complete Streets, and Vision Zero elements to Boiling Springs. This includes incorporating Vision Zero elements into our new Downtown Master Plan, Park Master Plan, and the recently completed South Main Street Project.

This project included working alongside NCDOT to implement new crosswalks with RRFBs, a new downtown courtyard, and a road diet to strengthen our downtown safety ecosystem. This project involved considerable public input, grant writing, and stakeholder engagement. The total project cost was $4+ million, $45,000 of which was local funding. The remaining amount was grant-funded.

Through his leadership, Zachary Parker has demonstrated how small towns can be champions for safety.”

“North Carolina Families for Safe Streets is highly deserving for the NC Vision Zero Safety Award, recognized for its courageous advocacy, leadership, and commitment to preventing traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. As a survivor-led organization, it brings the voices of families directly impacted by traffic violence to the forefront of efforts to create safer streets.

The organization has been a leading advocate for the proposed “Stop Super Speeders” legislation, which would allow courts to require Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology for drivers convicted of repeated or extreme speeding offenses. This targeted, evidence-based approach addresses one of the most significant contributors to fatal crashes while focusing on high-risk drivers.

Through legislative advocacy, coalition building, public education, and powerful storytelling, North Carolina Families for Safe Streets has elevated traffic safety as a statewide priority. Their work embodies the core Vision Zero principles of leadership, collaboration, and systemic solutions, making them highly deserving of this recognition.”

“Mark Ezzell is the deserving recipient of the Vision Zero Legacy Award for his extraordinary leadership and visionary commitment to advancing and sustaining Vision Zero across North Carolina. As Director of the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program, Mark championed the state’s investment in Vision Zero and helped establish a collaborative, statewide approach to traffic safety that continues to influence communities across the state.

Recognizing that local communities needed more than a framework, Mark supported the creation of the NC Vision Zero Collaborative Support model, which includes the annual NC Vision Zero Leadership Institute. This pioneering effort established the first statewide peer learning and support network in the US, ensuring communities were not left to navigate Vision Zero implementation alone. Through leadership training, technical assistance, and ongoing collaboration, the program has helped communities build capacity, share best practices, and advance lifesaving strategies.

Mark’s legacy is one of collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering belief that achieving zero traffic deaths requires empowered local leadership, strong partnerships, and sustained commitment.”