Washington traffic deaths down nearly 10 after record year

In 2024, Washington state reported a nearly 10% decline in traffic fatalities, with 731 deaths, down from 809 in 2023. This reduction comes after four years of rising fatalities, prompting calls for enhanced road safety measures. Impaired driving accounted for approximately half of the deaths, and speeding was involved in about one-third of incidents. Mark McKechnie, external relations director for the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, highlighted that four behaviors—impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and not wearing seat belts—contribute to 75% of traffic fatalities. Lawmakers have responded to the alarming trends by increasing penalties for drivers who injure or kill pedestrians and cyclists, alongside the introduction of speed cameras in work zones.

Discussions continue regarding lowering the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers, although such proposals have faced challenges. Motorcyclist deaths dropped about 20%, indicating some progress in specific areas. The commission’s director, Shelly Baldwin, emphasized the ongoing need for work to further reduce these historically high fatality numbers.