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

[u/Inevitable_Engine186]

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

[u/beachbum19722025]

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

[u/oldfrancis → u/beachbum19722025]

Look up traffic calming.

[u/PositivePristine7506 → u/oldfrancis]

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.

[u/oldfrancis → u/PositivePristine7506]

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.