We know that the vast majority of crashes on Seattle streets are the result of preventable behaviors, like speeding, distraction, and impairment. It’s up to every one of us to make Seattle’s streets the safest in the country. We encourage you to do your part and to also talk with your friends and family about road safety.
How you walk, bike, and drive matters. Be a superhero on our streets!
Here are some simple steps for safer streets:
FOCUS ON THE ROAD
Many of us think that we are somehow uniquely capable of multi-tasking while driving. That’s simply not true. Driving requires the same visual, mental, and manual attention from each and every one of us.
Turn your phone off before you get in the car.
There is no conversation that can’t wait in order to save your life or someone else’s.
Stay focused.
Distracted driving includes more than just cell phone use. Reading a book, putting on makeup, or looking for something in the backseat takes your attention away from the road.
BE PREDICTABLE AND PLAN AHEAD
Plan your trip and allow enough time to get where you’re going.
Speed and distracted and aggressive driving are all related to feeling rushed on the road. No matter how you travel, make sure you have the time to give your full attention to the road.
Think ahead about how to get home.
If you’re going out and planning to drink, choose a designated driver, take a taxi, or use public transit. Impairment is a factor for pedestrians and people on bikes too. If you’ve had too much to drink, leave your bike behind and get a ride home or travel with a sober friend.
TAKE THE TIME TO LEARN THE RULES OF THE ROAD
Our roads are changing and it’s important to learn how.
Features like flashing yellow turn signals, bike boxes, and all-way walk signals are new to Seattle. Ask questions and learn how to travel safely around these new features. (Coming Soon)
Know the speed limit and stick to it.
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in Seattle is 30 MPH on arterials, 25 MPH on residential streets, and 20 MPH in school zones. Just a few miles over the speed limit can make the difference in whether or not you or someone else survives a crash.
