SDOT calling for more improvements in traffic safety

SEATTLE, Wash. — The Seattle Division of Transportation launched its “Imaginative and prescient Zero” report this week, addressing site visitors fatalities, future initiatives, and areas of enchancment for metropolis streets.

Based on the report, the town continues to see an increase in traffic-related deaths since 2019. The report additionally mentioned that in comparison with cities of comparable measurement throughout the U.S. like Denver, Seattle does have a considerably smaller quantity of fatalities — however SDOT Director Greg Spotts mentioned the company remains to be specializing in its purpose of zero site visitors deaths by 2030.

A spokesperson with SDOT mentioned the town obtained $25 million in federal funds as they plan to spend over $30 million in bettering streets and site visitors within the metropolis.

“It’s powerful if you don’t have the infrastructure to make a metropolis actually bicycle pleasant, that’s extra designed for folks with automobiles and individuals who drive round,” Neils Hoyle, who walks to work on the town each day, mentioned.

KIRO 7 spoke to a number of folks strolling across the metropolis about their ideas on issues like pedestrian and bicycle owner security. Some folks consider it may be flat-out hazardous to stroll round city, particularly at intersections like Dexter Avenue North and Thomas Road. That intersection is the place an Seattle Police Division officer ran over a 23-year-old girl again in January.

“There actually is not any route for pedestrian site visitors right here minus simply you trying on either side and hoping that automobiles aren’t flying by. So, that’s undoubtedly nerve-wracking for somebody who actually walks all over the place,” Ramona Surs, who lives on the town, mentioned.

Within the SDOT report, Dexter Avenue noticed a lower in site visitors collisions. The intersection of Dexter and Thomas has been slated for years to obtain upgrades in security, however KIRO 7 discovered that reductions within the metropolis’s price range final yr put that undertaking on pause. And given the latest report, individuals are hoping the town acts rapidly.

“I hope they construct extra protected bike infrastructure. Like dividers,” Hoyle mentioned.

“I imply, we wish people who find themselves in motor autos to be protected and likewise pedestrians to be protected, too,” Surs mentioned.

To view the total report, click on right here.

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