King County launches campaign to reduce fatal crashes on high-risk corridor

By auburnexaminer on March 11, 2025

In an effort to curb the rising number of fatal and serious crashes along a dangerous 11-mile stretch of roadway, the King County Target Zero Coalition has launched a new traffic safety campaign focusing on speeding, impairment, and other high-risk driving behaviors.

The corridor runs along 140th Avenue SE/132nd Avenue SE, connecting Renton, Kent, Auburn, and unincorporated King County, with endpoints near SR 169 and SR 18. A recent Michelin Mobility Intelligence and Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) study identified this area as a priority for safety improvements.

The southernmost part of King County, which includes cities such as Kent, Auburn, and Renton, has consistently experienced some of the highest rates of traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the region. This corridor is a key focus area for targeted safety interventions to reduce the risk posed by speeding, impaired driving, and other dangerous behaviors.

Community-Driven Effort to Prevent Tragedies

Target Zero officials say the initiative is data-driven and community-informed, with insights from law enforcement, local governments, and families affected by traffic fatalities.

“This program was developed in response to widespread public engagement following a number of tragic, fatal, high-speed crashes along this corridor,” said Sara Hallstead, Target Zero Manager for South King County. “By working with our partners and community members and using data from our new study, we were able to pinpoint specific driving behaviors that are leading to crashes and address them using a Safe System approach.”

Among those involved in shaping the initiative are Michael and Shellie Coury, whose son Gabriel was killed in July 2023 by an impaired driver along the corridor.

“Despite our personal tragedy with the loss of our son Gabriel, we are honored to partner with our community leaders and law enforcement to help make our streets safer,” said Michael Coury. “It brings our family a small sense of peace as we continue to honor Gabriel by making ourselves a part of these sorts of initiatives and improvements. No person or family should ever have to endure the type of loss we, and many others, have had to experience due to completely and totally avoidable circumstances.”

Area of Kent-Kangley Road that intersects with 116th Avenue SE, midway between Kent and Covington. The intersection is complex with multiple turn lanes that cross pedestrian walkways and have a high amount of traffic. There are several restaurants, gas stations and shopping centers.

Campaign Strategies and Enforcement Efforts

The campaign is modeled after successful programs in Washington, including one along Lake City Way, and incorporates best practices from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Countermeasures That Work” guide.

Key components of the effort include:

Teen Driver Safety Programs: Implementing the Teen Target Zero and Teens in the Driver Seat programs at high schools along the corridor.
Elementary School Safety Training: Launching the Safest Ride program, which educates young children on the importance of riding in the back seat.
High-Visibility Speed Enforcement: Partnering with local law enforcement agencies to conduct increased patrols and speed enforcement efforts.
Educational Outreach: Installing new signage, distributing materials, and conducting community engagement efforts to raise awareness about speed and impaired driving dangers.
Driver Behavior Analysis: Utilizing driver telematics data to identify high-risk areas and target enforcement locations more effectively.