The roads in Fremont, California, have been a major concern for residents, business owners, and visitors for many years. One study showed 789 car accidents in the city in 2023, resulting in nine deaths. In 2022, 5 pedestrians lost their lives in the city. Recent actions taken by local and state officials to enhance safety via infrastructure changes and public awareness have improved the situation. Yet, additional concerns remain about safety changes that have taken longer than expected to implement, driver behaviors and federal law enforcement operations.
A Bit of Fremont Road Safety History
Although Fremont had safer streets than many other areas of California over the last twenty years, data analysis by Fremont officials in 2015 under the then-new Vision Zero program revealed that 67% of all major crashes in the city and 90% of traffic-related deaths occurred on approximately 50 miles of Fremont streets. Many crashes occurred on roads that had speed limits of 40 mph or higher.
Vision Zero demands a proactive “safety system” approach to accidents. City officials redesigned streets and walkways, reviewed and modified safe speed limits, studied the actions and needs of vulnerable road users, educated the public about high-risk behaviors, and made certain that law enforcement could better handle related demands. These and other actions successfully reduced injuries and fatalities by 50% within the first three years. For example, poor nighttime visibility caused many crashes. The city’s LED Streetlight Upgrade project reduced crashes between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. by 29% in residential neighborhoods.
Vision Zero and Other Driving Concerns
Vision Zero plans only work when city officials can contribute enough effort, money and time. Program planners have attempted repeatedly since 2015 to coordinate with a wide range of agencies, businesses, organizations and others to implement their plans in a timely fashion. In many cases, projects can take an entire year to complete, especially major infrastructure renovation and new construction projects.
As a result, not everything could be changed in a day or even a few years. Officials have also made plan modifications over time based on changes to resident and visitor traffic volume, vehicle types, and other elements. As of January 2026, Fremont is in the process of installing new traffic lights, signage and signals. The city is also attempting to make improvements to bikeways and traffic areas near schools.
Of course, Vision Zero can’t prevent all bad driving behaviors. Although Fremont’s police department has videos about traffic safety for various types of vehicles and scenarios on its “Traffic Safety” page, many drivers continue to take unnecessary risks. They abuse alcohol and drugs, drive while distracted or tired, ignore speed limits, and perform other high-risk actions. Large trucks and out-of-state long-distance haulers have also caused concern. The drivers often get into accidents by rushing to meet deadlines, sometimes while tired, and failing to see other vehicles and vulnerable road users in time to stop crashes.
