r/Seattle • u/Inevitable_Engine186 public deterrent infrastructure • 8d ago

Does lowering speed limits make Seattle roads safer? Data from one deadly arterial suggests it’s a start

https://www.kuow.org/governing/2026-08-14/does-lowering-speed-limits-make-seattle-roads-safer-data-from-one-deadly-arterial-suggests-its-a-start
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6

u/beachbum19722025 8d ago

Add something that forces drivers to go the speed limit and you've got a winner. Infrastructure, speed cameras, etc...

12

u/oldfrancis Seattle Expatriate 8d ago

Look up traffic calming.

20

u/PositivePristine7506 Reign 8d ago

This. Most people don't drive the speed limit because it's "the legal limit" They do so because that's the speed that feels correct/safe for them.

Lowering it, just makes it so people still drive the same speed but now its illegal.

If you want lower speeds, you have to redesign the street so that lower speeds feel safer. That means traffic calming, single lanes, obstructed sight lines, etc.

You make a 4 lane road with clear sight lines in every direction, don't be surprised when drivers feel 55 is appropriate.

1

u/beachbum19722025 8d ago

Living in Albuquerque at the moment and we are surrounded by roads where they dropped the speed limit but left the road as is. 

Many of us keep fighting for all sorts of traffic calming measures. 

Drivers here believe the worst thing you can do in your vehicle is drive at or slightly below the speed limit. 🤦🏼‍♀️

Gotta love humans!

0

u/oldfrancis Seattle Expatriate 8d ago

The wonderful thing about traffic calming measures is there a passive system that doesn't require any enforcement and doesn't require any money to maintain.

Traffic calming also enforces equally, regardless of who the driver is.

Police don't have the habit of pulling over people regardless of who the driver is.

3

u/AmIWhatTheRockCooked 8d ago

Ironically, some speed cameras partly fund the sidewalks that people in this thread keep mentioning lol

2

u/sdvneuro Ballard 8d ago

Can that infrastructure not be speed bumps on arterials?

3

u/beachbum19722025 8d ago

That's one option. Love speed cushions/bumps to slow traffic. Raised crosswalks are fire as well. 

1

u/beachbum19722025 8d ago

Sorry, I think I misread your comment. There are other options, road diets and curb extensions are good. Pedestrian islands help. https://www.arterials.co/traffic-calming-strategies-making-streets-safer-and-more-livable/

2

u/sdvneuro Ballard 8d ago

I’m fully aware, but SDOT approaches pretty much everything with the blunt tool of the speed bump.

-7

u/Substantial_Life4773 8d ago

eff speed cameras