Pedestrian Safety in Seattle
Posted Sunday, September 10, 2017 by Chris Thayer
Seattle is one of the safest cities in America for pedestrians, according to a study released in January 2017 by Smart Growth America, a national organization that advocates for safe, prosperous, and environmentally friendly neighborhoods. Specifically, Seattle ranked eighth out of the 104 largest metropolitan areas, based on the number of pedestrian fatalities (adjusted for population). There were five pedestrian deaths and three bicyclist deaths here in 2015, which is eight more than the city’s stated goal of zero pedestrian deaths or serious injuries.
The eight fatalities were a significant decline from previous years, according to the Seattle Department of Transportation. The beginning of the school year is a good time for drivers to think about pedestrian safety. According to Safe Kids, a nonprofit organization that works to prevent injuries to children, the fifth-leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 19 is pedestrian-vehicle injuries. Here are a few ways that can drivers can prevent these and other vehicle-pedestrian accidents:
Do not illegally pass a stopped school bus. Drivers who do so run the risk of hitting children who are exiting the bus and crossing the street.
Be cognizant of children riding their bikes and walking to school. Always slow down in school zones and double check that crosswalks are empty before driving through them.
Yield to transit buses that have stopped for rides and then allow them to merge back into traffic.
Dangerous Intersections in Seattle
Even though Seattle has made serious strides toward reducing pedestrian injuries and fatalities, accidents still happen. For example, in July 2017, a 78-year-old pedestrian was struck by a car while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. She sustained serious injuries when the 35-year-old driver turned right into the crosswalk on Rainier Avenue South in Seattle.
The Seattle Times recently published an article listing some of the most dangerous intersections in Seattle for pedestrians and bicyclists (which does not include the intersection where the 78-year-old was struck). Those intersections include:
Fifth Avenue and Spring Street, next to the Seattle Public Library – There have been 20 injuries at this intersection since 2008. However, the city has installed a red-light camera and made the traffic lights more visible, which should help prevent accidents.Fifth Avenue and Pike Street, right downtown – There have been 18 injuries at this intersection since 2008.
Third Avenue and Pike Street, which is only a couple of blocks from Pike Place Market and a major transit and pedestrian hub – There have been 15 injuries here since 2008.Broadway East and East Olive Way – There have been 14 injuries at this intersection since 2008. A recent improvement is having the walk sign turn on before giving cars a green light. The goal is making pedestrians more visible to drivers.
*Contact Us Today*Contact one of our personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation if you are a pedestrian or bicyclist who has been injured by a negligent or reckless driver. Our experienced attorneys will help you recover compensation for your injuries.