King County interstates and state routes saw a decrease in the number of traffic deaths in 2019, the Washington State Patrol reported. Additionally, officials noticed a drop in distracted driving, seatbelt violations, speeding, intoxicated driving, and even HOV lane violations.
According to state authorities, 20 people lost their lives in car crashes in King County in 2019, a 58 percent drop from 2018, when the WSP reported 47 traffic deaths on local interstates and state routes.
While these numbers do not include crashes on surface streets in city and county jurisdictions, all Washington drivers should be glad to know that fewer accidents turned out deadly on local roads — that means law enforcement and drivers are doing their part to prevent collisions.
In the agency’s statement, the WSP claimed that the drop in roadway fatalities in the roadway system in cities like Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Kent, and Federal Way, which are all part of King County, is a step in the right direction. However, the statement added, deadly accidents are still taking place.
“Every fatal collision affects countless lives of family, friends and others that are involved in these tragic incidents,” the statement explained.
WSP To Reporters: WA Traffic Numbers Are Still Far From Ideal
While it is noteworthy that King County road fatalities are down, Washington State has a long way to go before celebrating the current trends.
According to the WSP, DUI arrests might be down in King County, but the state’s overall impaired driving rates still rank high when compared to other states. The problem is so deeply rooted that in the first week of 2020 alone, the WSP arrested 47 drivers for suspected impairment in King County.
We urge all drivers across the state to stay focused, follow road rules, and help prevent accidents by never engaging in distracted driving.
For more on the WSP’s accident data, follow this link.
