City says lowering Second Streets speed limit wont solve safety alone

The Snohomish City Council convened on March 18 to deliberate the potential impact of reducing the speed limit on Second Street. Public Works Director Nova Heaton presented compelling data showing that only five of the 110 reported crashes from 2019 to 2023 were related to excessive speeding. The primary causes of accidents were linked to distracted driving and other traffic violations, indicating that merely lowering the speed limit might not lead to safer streets. Councilmember David Flynn emerged as the sole advocate for a universal speed limit across the city, though his views were met with skepticism from other council members. Heaton emphasized the importance of a multi-layered approach to traffic safety, which could include features such as crosswalk flags and HAWKS (pedestrian-activated stoplights).

A three-second delay in crosswalk signals on Lincoln and Second Streets has already proven beneficial by increasing pedestrian visibility. The ongoing discussions coincide with the Second Street Master Plan, which aims to enhance street safety through better design and visibility measures. Until new funding is secured, Heaton encourages community feedback on these safety initiatives.