The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) has unveiled its draft Regional Safety Action Plan in response to a sharp rise in serious injuries and fatalities on the region’s roadways, and they’re seeking public comment.
The public comment period on the draft plan is open through Feb. 14, 2025.
Based on a comprehensive analysis of crash data, the plan highlights several alarming trends:
- Deaths on the region’s roadways have nearly doubled over the last decade.
- Bicyclists and pedestrians account for nearly half of the increase in fatalities.
- Crashes occur in both rural and urban areas, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem.
- Native American and Alaskan Native community members are seven times more likely to die in crashes than white residents.
The full list of key findings can be viewed here.
The goals of the plan are to:
- Foster a regional culture of safety through increased awareness and focus on a Safe System Approach to protect vulnerable roadway users.
- Identify safety issues and proven counter measures, strategies, and tools.
- Reflect extensive research, analysis and public engagement.
- Complement the development of local safety action plans, 16 of which are included in the region’s two federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grants.
- Inform PSRC’s competitive project selection processes and future Regional Transportation Plans.
“Safety is a key policy focus area in the Regional Transportation Plan,” officials said. “VISION 2050, the region’s overarching policy framework, includes a policy to support and achieve the state’s long-term goal of zero deaths and serious injuries.”
How to Comment:
The PSRC is inviting public input through the following channels:
- Engagement Hub: Submit comments here
- Email: trafficsafety@psrc.org
- Mail:
Puget Sound Regional Council
ATTN: Safety Plan
1201 Third Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98101
For additional information, visit the PSRC website and read the full draft plan.
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