Seattle is a vibrant, bustling community, but its roads are often marred by poor driving behaviors, which can lead to a car accident.
It is always better to avoid a crash when possible. Staying alert to the bad behaviors of others – like the ones below — can help you stay safe.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving, often involving mobile devices, is a top cause of accidents in Seattle. Drivers who engage in activities like texting while driving can cause serious accidents.
Driving too fast
Speeding is another common issue, particularly in high-risk areas like school zones. High-speed crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries.
Impaired driving
Impaired motorists can cause accidents resulting in severe injuries and financial hardships. In recent years, the volume of impaired driving incidents involving marijuana has increased, worsening the threat.
Aggressive driving
Aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating and road rage, pose significant risks on Seattle roads. Thousands of aggressive driving incidents occur each year, many in urban areas like Seattle.
In 2022, King County saw 151 traffic fatalities and 709 serious injury crashes caused by risky driving. Other disturbing accident statistics include the following:
- 51% increase in traffic fatalities since 2019
- 33-year high in traffic deaths in 2023
- 251 fatalities caused by excessive speed in 2023
- 135 fatalities due to distracted driving in 2023
- 36 fatal crashes involving impaired drivers in 2024 (so far)
This information should help incentivize you to be extra cautious when driving in Seattle and on state roads. If it is too late and you have already been injured in a crash, legal guidance can help to ensure you receive fair compensation for your accident injuries.