Information from District 1 Councilmember Lisa Herbold
SDOT has announced the release of a “Top-to-Bottom” review of the Vision Zero program.
Here’s a link to the report, and to the overview. SDOT is seeking public comment on the report, which you can share using this online form.
Traffic fatalities in Seattle have increased in 2020, 2021 and 2022, as shown in the chart below:
The report includes the following Key Recommendations (greater detail is available in the report):
- Incorporate Vision Zero and Safe Systems approaches into every project and program
- Adopt clearer and stronger guidance for facility design
- Clarify and streamline internal decision pathways
- Be willing to reduce vehicle travel speeds and convenience to improve safety
- Implement iterative, ongoing improvements to our infrastructure
- Accelerate planning for broader or systemwide implementation of proven interventions
- Secure funding to incorporate Vision Zero improvements in all projects and for asset
maintenance
- Complete racial equity analysis of automated enforcement. Address inequities and where
appropriate, use automated enforcement as a tool
- Shift culture and strengthen support for Vision Zero throughout SDOT
- Strengthen and resource SDOT’s Vision Zero core and matrix teams
- Improve SDOT’s customer service response process
- Be champions for Vision Zero as we engage with WSDOT, the Port of Seattle, transit partners,
the legislature, and other organizations
The chart below shows serious traffic injuries and deaths have occurred across the City:
In late January the City received an award of a $25.6 million Safe Streets and Roads for All grant for safety enhancements. I know all too well that, as the map shows above, District 1 has some serious hotspots. An announcement by Councilmember Morales in response to the report highlights that the harm has been greatest in District 2 where, in 2021, 56% of all Seattle pedestrian and bicyclist deaths happened in District 2.
