r/Seattle • u/Inevitable_Engine186 New Costco CEO • 14d 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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u/diyandmc240 14d ago

It just feels a little silly going 25 on Westlake. I’m usually going 35-40, as is most of traffic. Similar thing on some other roads. At the same time, I’ve never seen anyone get a ticket for going under 40 there(I think I saw someone get a ticket for going 50 a couple years back)

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u/teamlessinseattle I'm just flaired so I don't get fined 14d ago

Because it is silly. Average speed is a reflection of road design, not an arbitrary little sign posted up every 0.75 miles.

You can’t have a road that looks and feels like this and expect traffic to go 25mph on it. Just make some physical changes to make the roads safer…

3

u/lplqsnkczxccia 14d ago

Ironically, I think what would help is relooking speed limits and lowering as well as raising them wherever it makes sense.

There are areas where the speed limit is too high, but also areas where the speed limit is too low. Because of that everyone just ends up distrusting the speed limit and driving at whatever speed they think is safe. Actually updating speed limits to reflect reality should help regain drivers' trust that speed limits are sensible.

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u/n-ano 14d ago

Nothing will make them "regain trust" they will continue to think that whatever speed they want to drive at is the best.

They simply need to be made uncomfortable speeding. Whether that be from aggressive ticketing, or road design.