Traffic safety
Traffic crashes are a significant source of injury burden in King County each year.
From 2014 to 2016, 291 people died in King County in a motor vehicle-related crash (average 97 people per year) and an additional 1,706 people were seriously injured (about 568 people per year.)
Washington Traffic Safety Commission, July 2013
In addition to the impact on victims, families and friends, traffic crashes are costly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that traffic collision deaths cost Washington state $654 million in just one year. This does not include costs associated with serious and minor injuries.
Public Health — Seattle & King County works to prevent traffic crashes from happening and to reduce death and serious injury among people who suffer a crash.
- The Violence & Injury Prevention Unit organizes traffic safety patrols, provides public education, and carries out other activities to prevent traffic injuries.
- The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division provides injured people with the care to save lives and lessen long-term disability. The EMS Division also provides traffic safety resources for children.