In a city as active as Seattle, pedestrian accidents remain a real concern.
Seattle’s appeal to tourists, combined with its commercial and cultural significance on the West Coast, contributes to pedestrian accidents that are more likely to occur outside of highway zones. These incidents tend to concentrate in social hubs like downtown, nightlife areas, and even residential neighborhoods near universities.
These unexpected events can seriously impact lives. To help you stay informed and make safer choices, we’ve compiled a summary of Seattle’s roadways and the areas with the highest pedestrian accident rates during the 2023-2024 period.
384 pedestrian accidents, 15 fatalities (2023)
In 2023, Seattle experienced a notable increase in pedestrian accidents, with a total of 384 incidents reported. According to the Traffic Safety Commission, over the past decade, the city has witnessed 128 pedestrian fatalities and 18 cyclist deaths. Although 2023 saw a slight reduction in the number of fatalities, the overall trend remains concerning: of the 15 fatalities reported for that year, 13 have already occurred by August 2024.
The breakdown of victims includes 90 males, 50 females, and 3 individuals whose identities could not be determined.
Remarkably, even with pandemic-related restrictions in place, the number of pedestrian accidents continued to rise. This trend is particularly noteworthy given that it diverges from national and international patterns. The statistics showed an increase from 2019 to 2020, and the trend persisted into 2021.
Rainier Ave S
From South Massachusetts Street to approximately the curve near Rainier Beach, there were 22 pedestrian accidents or collisions reported, including 1 fatality and 8 resulting in severe to very serious injuries. Interestingly, these incidents are not solely attributable to lighting conditions, as many occur in weekday afternoons, with some beginning as early as 11 a.m. Additionally, a significant number of accidents occur on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 7 p.m., underscoring the influence of nightlife on these statistics.
Downtown Seattle
The neighborhood encompassing major high-traffic locations such as Union Square, Pike Place Market, and Westlake Center is known as Downtown Seattle. This vibrant district is also home to various significant landmarks that, depending on the calendar and scheduled events, can lead to notable increases in traffic congestion. Among these key sites are the Seattle Art Museum, CenturyLink Field, T-Mobile Park, and Pioneer Square, each contributing to the area’s dynamic flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
Eight accidents on 2nd Ave highlight it as the street with the highest number of pedestrian accidents, spanning from Wall Street to 4th Ave S.
Near Denny Park, a stretch of just two blocks on Dexter Ave N reported two severe accidents and one fatality. All three incidents occurred between 6 and 8 PM on Sundays and Mondays.
S Jackson Street
In 2023, there were 13 pedestrian accidents reported between the port and 23rd Street. What stands out is that the majority of these incidents resulted in quite severe injuries. Already in 2024, two more incidents have been recorded, both with suspected serious injuries.
Aurora Ave & 145th
There is a particular intersection to the north that, in 2023, recorded four accidents—one of which was fatal, and two others resulted in severe injuries. Already in 2024, another serious injury has occurred there. This intersection, located at Aurora Ave and 145th, is a highly trafficked area where all of the incidents involved between two and five people.
University Area
In the bustling university district, where students, professionals, and visitors frequently cross paths, numerous pedestrian accidents have been recorded. While these incidents may not have resulted in injuries as severe as those in other parts of Seattle, their increasing frequency is certainly noteworthy. In 2023 alone, there were 24 pedestrian accidents reported in this area. NE 45th, 47th, and 50th streets have emerged as significant hotspots, with the most serious cases occurring along these routes.
It’s crucial to remember that even in seemingly safe spaces, such as the vicinity of commercial establishments, there is still a risk of accidents. For instance, the front of University Village and the parking lots near various Halls saw two collisions each. This year, there has already been a reported accident on campus, on Stevens Way, on a Saturday at 7:15 p.m.
2024 – Available Data So Far
As of August 2024, there had been 130 victims of pedestrian collisions involving motor vehicles, with 12 resulting in fatalities and 28 serious life changing injuries. These tragic incidents occurred at the following locations:
- 3 on I-5
- 2 on Aurora Ave N, between 93 N and 107 N Streets
- 15th Ave NW intersection with NW 85th Street
- Elliott Ave W @ Kinnear Park
- 4th Ave S near Diagonal Ave S
- 12th Ave S near S Weller street
- Olive Way near Minor Ave
Other Facts to Consider
With nearly a 30% higher rate than other age groups, individuals aged 40 to 59 are the most frequent victims of pedestrian accidents, accounting for 61 out of the total 384 pedestrian incidents registered in 2023.
All traffic statistics provided by the WSDOT the and Washington Traffic Safety Commission