Unintentional injuries: traffic
Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among people ages 1 - 44 years old in King County. These types of injuries include poisonings, traffic crashes, drownings, brain injuries, falls, and burns.
Traffic crashes cause many injuries. For the 10-year period 1995 to 2004, 1,412 King County residents died in traffic crashes, an average of 141 people each year (WA Department of Health). For the same period, the WA Traffic Safety Commission found that 451 people died in King County from "drinking-driver involved" crashes, about 45 people each year.
Traffic crashes do not just kill drivers and passengers; they also kill motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. In King County from 1995 to 2004, 134 motorcyclists, 301 pedestrians, and 34 bicyclists died from injuries (WA Department of Health). For the same period, crashes seriously injured 2013 King County pedestrians and 1,765 King County bicyclists. From 1995 to 2004, 12,249 (about 1,225 people per year) King County residents were hospitalized for traffic injuries (WA Department of Health).
Crash victims suffer a wide range of injuries. Some are relatively minor (e.g., cuts, scratches, and bruises). Yet, too often, paramedics, emergency room workers, and other health care providers treat severe injuries, such as damage to the brain, broken bones, punctured lungs, and severed spinal cords.
Research and practice shows that drinking alcohol while driving impairs judgment, reflexes, and timing. Compared to 20 years ago, fewer people are driving after drinking. However, impaired driving still causes about 40% of all crash deaths in King County and Washington State.
Public Health - Seattle & King County uses several strategies to of traffic crashes.
- The Injury Prevention Unit utilizes a variety of methods to prevent traffic collisions from occurring in the first place and to reduce the severity of crashes that do happen.
- King County Emergency Medical Services program provides injured people with vital care that may save their life and reduce the chance of long-term damage. They also conducted car seat clinics and provide educational programs targeting young drivers.
- Download the Traffic Safety Handout (PDF)
In 1998, Public Health established the King County Traffic Safety Coalition with limited funding from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. The Coalition brings together law enforcement officers, public health staff, non-profit advocates, the Washington State Liquor Control Board, traffic engineers, liquor industry representatives, and numerous others.
The Coalition focuses on reducing motor vehicle crashes on King County roadways. Activities include:
- Coordinated law enforcement traffic safety emphasis patrols. Troopers, deputies, and police officers from multiple jurisdictions work overtime to remove impaired drivers from roads. These patrols usually happen over holidays known to have excessive rates of impaired drivers on the roads.
- Pedestrian and bicycle safety
- Public and member education on traffic safety
- Media advocacy
- Networking
- Data analysis and targeting of high risk roads
Due to the high volume of traffic and the large number of crashes, severe crashes, and "had been drinking" crashes, the coalition focused much of its early efforts on SR 99.
The SR 99 Project included enforcement, education, and engineering strategies. As an educational tool, Public Health developed a brochure about the risks of SR 99.
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Download Highway 99 Traffic Safety brochures (PDF): |
In 2003, Public Health compared pre-project, SR 99 crash data for 1994 - 1996 to crash data during the project's implementation phase, 1999 - 2001, and found that death and injury crashes declined 13% and alcohol-related collisions dropped 28%.
Driving while under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is against the law. Washington State's drunken driving laws are heavily enforced. Law enforcement agencies from different jurisdictions conduct patrols to target alcohol - or drug-impaired drivers, with a special emphasis during the holidays. The chart below details some of costs of drunk or impaired driving.
| Consequences of Driving Under the Influence | DUI Costs |
| Mandatory jail time | 1-365 days |
| Court costs | $350-$5,000 |
| Attorney fees | $2,000-$6,000 |
| License re-reissue fees | $150 |
| Addiction treatment | $2,500 |
| Insurance increase | $1,200/year |
| Vehicle impound | $100-$150 + storage fee |
| Lost time from work | Hundreds of dollars |
| Ignition interlock | Hundreds of dollars |
Source: Washington Traffic Safety Commission
About the King County DWI Victims Impact Panel (external link)
In 1984, Judge David Admire of Northeast District Court in Redmond, Washington, and Larry and Shirley Anderson of Bothell, the parents of a young man killed by a drunk driver, founded the DWI Victims Panel "in an effort to crack the barrier of self concern so offenders will give greater thought to the consequences of their actions."
Typically, panelists tell their story of how an alcohol-impaired driver changed their lives. Most people attending panels are people charged with impaired driving. By hearing their stories, panelists hope that attendees will avoid driving when drinking in the future.
In partnership with Public Health - Seattle & King County, HIPRC created the Last Call program. Last Call targets young people (ages 21-34) who frequent clubs and bars in several Seattle neighborhoods. These neighborhoods include Fremont, Ballard, Capitol Hill, Pioneer Square, and Belltown.
Last Call aims to get people home safely after a night out in Seattle's bars and clubs. Last Call's message is simple -- if you go out, leave your car at home. Use a taxi or bus to get around or ride with a sober friend.
Last Call Taxi Stands:
Operating Thursday - Saturday Nights, 11:30 PM to 3:00 AM
- Pioneer Square:
S. Washington St. at Occidental Park, across from Last Supper Club
S. King St. at Occidental, next to Qwest Field parking lot - Fremont:
In front of the Fremont PCC Natural Markets on Evanston at 34th - Pike/Pine Corridor:
10th Ave & Pike Street
- Seattle: 206-722-3700
- Washington only: 800-562-1240
- TTY Relay: 206-722-3724
Do you need to attend an alcohol information school as part of a court-imposed condition? Contact the following agencies to determine if you are eligible to attend their classes.
Seattle:
- Alternatives: 206-323-4750
- Asian/Pacific Islander Council: 206-695-7600
- Association of Behavioral Health - Seattle: 206-781-2661
- Circle of Recovery: 206-542-1136
- Consejo: 206-461-4880
- Korean Comm. Counsel: 206-784-5691
- Praxis: 206-286-9494
- Professional Health Associates: 206-784-4646
- Recovery Centers of King County: 206-322-2970
- Seattle Professional Assessment: 206-723-7067
- Shamrock Group: 206-789-4784
- Women's Recovery Center: 206-547-1955
Shoreline:
- Center for Human Services: 206-362-7282
West Seattle:
- Association for Behavioral Health: 206-935-1282
- Avalon Center: 206-935-6228
Kent:
- Comprehensive Alcohol Services: 206-859-5487
- Hope Recovery Services: 206-520-7460
- South King County Rec. Center: 206-854-6513
Do you need to attend a traffic safety school as part of a court-imposed condition? The following police departments offer traffic safety schools. Contact them directly to determine if you are eligible to attend.
Between the hours of 12 Noon -5 PM, Monday through Friday
Over the past few years, motorcycle deaths have increased in King County, Washington, and the United States. Nationally, motorcycle deaths are now back to what they were in 1986 and have increased 115% since 1997!
To stay safe on a motorcycle:
- Learn good basic riding techniques.
- Wear appropriate gear for comfort and protection. Always wear a legal helmet. If you crash, a bogus helmet will NOT protect your head or brain.
- Wear bright clothing and use retro-reflective material.
- Ride only when awake. Fatigue and drowsiness can impair a motorcyclist's ability to react.
- Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride.
- Ride sober. Alcohol and other drugs affect reaction times, vision, judgment and more. Even drinking small amounts of alcohol can affect your riding ability on a motorcycle.
- Obey traffic laws; drive at a safe speed, stay in your lane, stop at red lights and stop signs.
Check out the following websites for more safety information:
- Washington State Patrol
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation
- Harley Davidson's "Get Smart" Safety Tips
- State of Washington, Department of Licensing, Motorcycle Rider Safety Task Force Final Report June 30, 2006 (PDF)
- Evergreen Safety Council
401 Pontius Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 1-800-521-0778 or 206-382-4090
Fax: 206-382-0818
Email: esc@esc.org - Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Safety
PMB 120
Poulsbo, WA 98370
Phone: (360) 779-6378
Email: info@pnwmotorcyclesafety.com - The Motorcycle Safety Company
625 Stander Blvd, Ste B
Tukwila, WA 98188
Phone: 206-838-1010
Email: info@motorcyclesafetycompany.com
Research shows that if you wear a seatbelt, you are much more likely to survive a crash. Everyone in the car should wear a seatbelt. Researchers recently found that in a crash, unbelted passengers might fly into belted passengers, causing severe injuries or death to the belted passengers.
Washington State law
- Every person riding in a motor vehicle shall wear a safety restraint that is properly fastened. The fine for not wearing one will cost you $101.
- Infants must ride in a rear-facing child car seat until they are one year of age or weigh 20 pounds (which ever comes first).
- Children 20-40 pounds or one to four years of age (which ever comes first) must ride in a forward-facing child car seat with a harness.
- Kids four to six years of age or weighing 40-60 pounds must use a booster seat in vehicles equipped with a lap and shoulder belt.
- Children six years old or weighing more than 60 pounds shall be restrained in either a booster seat or properly adjusted and fastened seat belt.
- All children must wear the seat belt correctly. If the seat belt does not properly fit the child (examples: the shoulder belt crosses the face or neck; shoulder belt is under the arm; shoulder belt is behind the back; or the lap belt is up on the tummy), the driver may still receive a ticket.
- Beginning June 1, 2007, children eight years old and under, unless they are four feet nine inches or taller, must be restrained with an approved child restraint system when riding in a vehicle.
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- Keep infants in rear-facing car seat until at least one year of age and until they weigh at least 20 pounds. If the label on the car seat says the seat may be used rear-facing up to 30 or more pounds, this is the safest way for baby to ride.
- Keep the child in a forward-facing seat with a harness as long as they fall within the height/weight recommendations for the seat. Be careful not to graduate your child to the next seat too soon.
- Booster seats are recommended until the child is 8 years and 80 lbs unless the child is 4' 9" tall or taller. The vehicle must have a shoulder and lap belt to use a booster seat. (This will be the law after 6/1/07; see above)
- Do not to graduate your child to a seat belt too soon. Children 12 and under are always safer in the back seat.
Bicycling is a marvelous way to get around. Bicyclists reduce traffic jams, protect the environment, and keep physically active. Unfortunately bicycling is not risk-free.
In fact, each year an average of two bicyclists are killed in King County and more than 200 are severely injured. To stay safe follow Washington's bicycling laws and always wear a helmet.
- On the Road - When riding on a roadway, a cyclist has all the rights and responsibilities of a vehicle driver (RCW 46.61.755). Cyclists who violate traffic laws may be ticketed (RCW 46.61.750).
- Roads Closed to Bicycles - Some designated sections of the state's limited access highway system may be closed to bicycles for safety reasons. In addition, local governments may adopt ordinances banning cycling on specific roads or on sidewalks within business districts. Check with local authorities to get more information on local bicycle regulations.
- Children and Bicycles - Parents or guardians may not knowingly permit bicycle traffic violations by their ward (RCW 46.61.700).
- Riding Side by Side - Cyclists may ride side by side, but not more than two abreast (RCW 46.61.770).
- Riding at Night - For night bicycle riding, a white front light (not a reflector) visible for 500 feet and a red rear reflector are required. A red rear light may be used in addition to the required reflector (RCW 46.61.780).
- Bicycle Helmets - Currently, there is no state law requiring helmet use. However, some cities and counties do require helmets. Check with local authorities about local regulations.
- Shoulder vs. Bike Lane - Cyclists may choose to ride on the path, bike lane, shoulder or travel lane as suits their safety needs (RCW 46.61.770)
See also:
Wear a helmet. It's the law!
In July 2003, the King County Board of Health extended the King County bike helmet regulation to include Seattle. The new rule went into effect on August 17, 2003. It applies to bicyclists of all ages.
Now, bicyclists throughout the county can be cited for not wearing helmets. Avoid fines and fees by wearing a bike helmet!
How to fit a helmet
Bike helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 85% and brain injuries by as much as 88%. In order for the bike helmet to protect you, it needs to fit properly. Follow these easy tips to wearing a helmet correctly:
- Make sure your helmet is the right size. Try on several helmets before buying one. The helmet should fit comfortably. If needed, use extra pads for a snug and secure fit.
- Make sure the straps fit around your ear and under your chin snugly. The straps should form a "V" under your ears. Leave enough room for one finger to fit between your chin and the strap.
- The helmet should rest flat on your head, not too far forwards or backwards. The helmet should rest low on the forehead, no more than two finger widths above the eyebrows.
- Look for the CPSC or SNELL certification sticker inside the helmet.
- Get a new helmet when you grow out of it or within 5 years, whichever comes first.
- Replace your helmet after a crash or if it is cracked.
- Children's Hospital's "How to fit a helmet" tips (PDF)
Low-cost helmets
A bike helmet does not have to cost a lot of money. Many organizations in Seattle and King County provide low cost bike helmets. Download a list of local agencies that provide free or low cost bicycle helmets.
Share your bike helmet story
Are you a Washington State resident who escaped serious injury or death by wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle?
If so, the Washington Department of Health's Saved-by-the-Helmet Club wants to hear the story of how wearing a helmet helped you avoid serious injuries. Click here to get a free application for the Saved-by-the-Helmet Club.
- The Bicycle Alliance
The Bicycle Alliance advocates for bicyclists and promotes cycling to build a bicycle-friendly Washington. - Cascade Bicycle Club
A non-profit organization creating more livable communities by promoting health & recreation through bicycle activities, advocacy, and education. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC is the premier public health agency in the United States. It is a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. - Feet First
Feet First promotes the rights and interests of pedestrians and encourages people to enjoy the pleasures of walking. - Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center
- National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration
- Washington State Booster Seat Coalition
Information on the child restraint laws and how booster seats can improve safety for children riding in a car. - Washington State Department of Transportation
- Washington State Liquor Control Board Alcohol Awareness Program
Includes prevention links as well as pictures of pamphlets available from Washington Traffic Safety Commission and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Program. - The Washington State Safety Restraint Coalition
- Washington State Traffic Safety Commission