In the state of Washington, the bustling activity of heavy trucks plays a significant role in the dynamics of traffic accidents. As these massive vehicles navigate through urban landscapes, they create unique challenges for both drivers and pedestrians. Understanding where these accidents are most prevalent is crucial for improving safety and implementing effective preventative measures.
By examining these hotspots, we aim to shed light on the critical intersections and roadways that demand enhanced safety protocols and greater awareness to mitigate the risks associated with heavy truck traffic.
10) Yakima – 73 truck accidents
While Yakima’s presence on this list is not surprising, as it also ranks among the top ten cities in Washington for alcohol-related accidents, it has a noteworthy distinction worth highlighting.
Later, we will explore in more detail how certain cities see a rise in accident statistics due to congested segments of interstates or major highways passing through them. However, Yakima is notable for a different reason. Despite its connection to I-82, a significant portion of heavy truck collisions in Yakima happen within the urban area itself. Yakima Ave and First Street have recorded the highest proportion of accidents in the city. These areas are frequented by individuals visiting schools, churches, banks, clubs, and other busy businesses and social points of interest.
9) Tukwila – 89 truck accidents
In contrast to the previous scenario, this case exemplifies the complexities that arise when two major thoroughfares intersect. Such intersections not only increase the likelihood of accidents directly at the crossing but also contribute to a higher incidence of collisions at the surrounding on-ramps and off-ramps associated with both highways.
This phenomenon is evident at the intersection of I-5 and I-405, near Southcenter Mall. Over a considerable stretch of both highways, there is a marked increase in accident frequency as vehicles approach the junction.
Within the surrounding urban area, particularly along S 180th Street, there has been a notable concentration of incidents, with 6 collisions reported directly on the street and an additional 2 in its immediate vicinity.
8) Federal Way – 112 truck accidents, 2 fatalities
I-5 is ranked as the third most dangerous route in the country. The section that passes through Federal Way, in particular, has a high incidence of heavy truck accidents. Last year alone, these accidents tragically resulted in the loss of two lives.
However, not all issues are concentrated on this major national route. The southern stretch of Pacific Highway should not be overlooked, as it recorded 18 collisions.
7) Auburn – 114 truck accidents, 1 fatality
Highway 18 and Highway 167 also create a similar domino effect of accidents before their intersections and major exits. These highways represent the most significant focal point in the city for collisions involving heavy vehicles.
A specific issue arose around SR 18, which frequently experiences closures due to accidents and the resulting delays that can extend up to a full day before normal traffic flow is restored. For instance, in 2024, a semi-truck overturned and blocked the way, dangling over the Green River, causing significant congestion and halting eastbound traffic from early morning hours.
6) Vancouver – 119 truck accidents
As a border city, Vancouver experiences a significant flow of various vehicles heading to Oregon daily. In 2014, it was estimated that 132,592 vehicles crossed this iconic border, marked by the Columbia River Interstate Bridge. This six-lane bridge, integral to the I-5 corridor, is frequently referred to as the I-5 Bridge.
In contrast to other cities where collisions typically occur at intersections, during lane changes, and in the miles preceding them, Vancouver’s accidents are notably concentrated around and on the bridge itself, with 8 incidents recorded on it in 2023.
Apart from the activity on the Lewis & Clark Highway, the remainder of the city generally does not exhibit substantial peaks in such vehicular incidents. The unique traffic patterns in Vancouver, especially around the bridge, highlight the critical need for attentive driving and rigorous traffic management in this area.
5) Bellevue & Everett – 132 truck accidents
From Spencer Island to Silver Lake, the congested stretch of I-5 in Everett significantly raises accident statistics, particularly heading towards Lynnwood. It’s important to exercise caution on Evergreen Way in the urban area, as multiple collisions have been reported when exiting Highway 99.
Although I-5 expands as it approaches Seattle and doesn’t pass through Bellevue, its major hot spots for heavy truck collisions are also located on the main roads outside the urban area. These critical points include I-405 and the Mountains to Sound Greenway, particularly near cloverleaf interchanges.
4) Spokane 149 truck accidents, 2 fatalities
The case for Spokane is clear: nearly all of its reported accidents occur on I-90, with the few exceptions happening on perpendicular routes leading to the interstate. This pattern highlights the significant role that major highways play in traffic incidents within the city. Notably, one of the fatalities took place in broad daylight on a Friday at 3pm on Trent Road near BNSF Spokane, where five people were tragically involved in the incident.
3) Tacoma 166 truck accidents, 2 fatalities
Unfortunately, Tacoma is another location where the statistics for heavy vehicle collisions and accidents spike due to the passage of I-5 through the city. In fact, Federal Way to the north continues this trend, providing a broader view of the overall risk along this route, where more than 70% of the recorded accidents in Tacoma occur.
2) Kent 184 truck accidents, 3 fatalities
I-5 and Valley Freeway, which cross the city from south to north, are naturally key areas where the heaviest vehicles transit for commercial and transportation activities. However, it is important to highlight that there are also high-incidence areas within the urban core.
For instance, S 212th St, which later becomes S 208th, has recorded 14 accidents over a relatively short stretch. Another street to consider is 84th Ave South, with up to 16 truck collisions.
1) Seattle 534 truck accidents, 5 fatalities
Given that Seattle experienced 8,442 motor vehicle accidents in 2023, with 34 fatalities, it becomes clear how heavily truck-related incidents contribute to these statistics. The impact of heavy trucks on the overall accident figures is noteworthy.
If I-5 is ranked among the most hazardous routes in the nation, it’s unsurprising that its passage through Seattle’s busiest area leads to a significant rise in heavy truck accidents. Whether these are cargo vehicles, transport trucks, or local multipurpose vehicles, the continuous 24-hour traffic on this route demands heightened caution.
Drivers are advised to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and consistently practice defensive driving to navigate this challenging stretch safely.
All traffic statistics provided by the WSDOT and The Washington Traffic Safety Commission
Washington State Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Public collision data portal. Retrieved from https://remoteapps.wsdot.wa.gov/highwaysafety/collision/data/portal/public/
Washington Traffic Safety Commission. (n.d.). Fatalities dashboard. Retrieved from https://wtsc.wa.gov/dashboards/fatalities-dashboard/