In 2024, Seattle continues to grow as a major hub for technology, tourism, and commerce, bringing increased traffic challenges to its urban streets and highways. With congestion, ongoing construction, and evolving transit projects, road safety remains a critical concern for residents and commuters.

Seattle’s roads saw 7,651 traffic crashes throughout 2024, impacting drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists across the city. While not every crash resulted in injuries, the numbers highlight the ongoing risks on Seattle’s streets.

Breakdown of Traffic Crashes in 2024

38 fatal crashes – tragic incidents that resulted in loss of life.
246 suspected serious injury crashes – cases where victims sustained severe injuries requiring hospitalization.
1,192 suspected minor injury crashes – incidents where injuries were documented but not life-threatening.

Fatal Traffic Accidents in Seattle

Seattle recorded 38 fatal crashes in 2024, with several high-risk corridors experiencing multiple fatalities:

Interstate 5 (I-5) – 7 fatalities, making it the deadliest roadway in Seattle. High speeds and heavy traffic contribute to severe crashes.
Aurora Ave N – 4 fatalities, reinforcing its reputation as one of Seattle’s most dangerous roads for both drivers and pedestrians.
Elliott Ave W – 3 fatalities within a short stretch between Kinnear Park and the W Garfield St access points, a key corridor near Seattle’s waterfront.
Martin Luther King Jr Way S – 2 fatalities occurred in close proximity near Merton Way S.

High-Risk Areas for Severe Injuries in Seattle

Seattle saw 246 suspected serious injury crashes in 2024, with certain locations standing out due to frequent severe collisions:

Central Business District (Downtown Seattle) – 19 severe injury crashes, making it the most dangerous area for serious accidents. High pedestrian activity and dense traffic contribute to frequent incidents.
Broadway & Broadway E – 5 severe crashes, spanning the entire corridor, a key route through Capitol Hill with heavy pedestrian and cyclist presence.
Mercer Street (South Lake Union) – 4 severe crashes, reflecting congestion issues in one of Seattle’s fastest-growing districts.
Rainier Ave S – A persistent hotspot, with severe crashes recorded along its entire length and collisions at nearly every intersection. This corridor remains one of Seattle’s most dangerous.
Fauntleroy Way SW – A significant location for severe crashes in West Seattle’s high-traffic corridors.

Distracted Driving in Seattle: Serious Concerns from Busier Lifestyles

As the pace of life accelerates, distractions while driving have become an ever-present concern in Seattle. In 2024, 1,188 crashes were linked to distracted driving, resulting in 10 fatalities and 42 serious injuries. The pressure of busier lifestyles has contributed to an increase in such incidents, as drivers juggle multiple tasks on the road.

Key Insights:

Cell phone use caused 53 crashes, leading to 1 fatality and 2 severe injuries, showing the dangers of trying to multitask behind the wheel.
Distracted driving was caused by a range of factors, including passengers, in-car technology, and even eating while driving.
Over 60% of crashes caused by distractions resulted in injuries, proving just how hazardous even brief moments of inattention can be in a busy city like Seattle.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents in Seattle:

In 2024, Seattle recorded a total of 375 pedestrian accidents and 278 bicycle accidents. Pedestrian and cyclist safety continues to be a major concern in the city, particularly in busy and high-traffic areas.

Pedestrian Accidents

18 fatalities
7 out of the 18 fatal pedestrian accidents occurred on I-5. It’s a reminder that even seemingly minor actions like walking on the emergency lane or stopping to help someone can turn into life-threatening situations.
Age groups with the highest injury rates:
- 40-49 years: (14.1% of total pedestrian accidents)
- 50-59 years: (12.3% of total pedestrian accidents)
- 60-69 years: (12.8% of total pedestrian accidents)

Bicycle Accidents

In 2024, Seattle also recorded 278 bicycle-related accidents, with the following outcomes:

33 suspected serious injuries
157 suspected minor injuries
66 possible injuries
22 with no apparent injury

Alcohol-Related Crashes in Seattle

Alcohol remains a significant factor in Seattle’s traffic incidents, contributing to 493 crashes in 2024. While DUI laws are strict, impaired driving continues to put lives at risk.

Breakdown of Alcohol-Related Accidents:

14 fatal crashes
32 suspected serious injuries
100 suspected minor injuries
61 possible injuries
286 crashes with no apparent injuries

Key Concerns:

Alcohol-related crashes account for 36.8% of all fatal accidents in Seattle. With 14 out of 38 total fatalities involving alcohol, this is a major public safety issue.
Serious and minor injuries combined account for nearly 27% of all DUI-related crashes. Many of these accidents leave lasting consequences for victims.
286 crashes resulted in no apparent injuries, but that doesn’t mean they were harmless. DUI incidents often cause significant property damage and emotional distress, even if no one is physically hurt.

Motorcycle Accidents in Seattle

Motorcyclists face significant risks on Seattle’s roads, with 133 crashes recorded in 2024. These accidents often result in severe consequences due to the vulnerability of riders compared to other motorists.

Breakdown of Motorcycle Crashes:

6 fatal crashes
31 suspected serious injuries
48 suspected minor injuries
21 possible injuries
27 crashes with no apparent injuries

Where Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Occurred:

Aurora Ave N & N 141st St
Aurora Ave N & N 43rd St
Lake City Way NE & NE 107th St
W Nickerson St & 8th Ave W
Prospect St & Queen Anne Ave N
1st Ave S & S Lucile St

Motorcyclists account for 15.8% of all fatal crashes in Seattle. Despite representing a smaller portion of total traffic, their risk of severe injury or death is significantly higher.

Bus-Related Accidents in Seattle

Public transportation is a critical part of Seattle’s infrastructure, but bus-related accidents still pose risks to passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. In 2024, a total of 134 crashes involving buses were reported.

Breakdown of Bus Accidents:

8 suspected serious injuries
25 suspected minor injuries
21 possible injuries
80 crashes with no apparent injuries

Train-Related Accidents in Seattle

While train-related accidents are less frequent than other types of collisions in Seattle, they still pose serious risks, particularly along Martin Luther King Jr Way S, a corridor with significant rail traffic. In 2024, a total of 19 train-related crashes were reported.

Breakdown of Train Accidents:

1 suspected minor injury
5 possible injuries
13 crashes with no apparent injuries

Martin Luther King Jr Way S is a high-risk corridor, accounting for 11 of the 19 total crashes involving trains. The intersection of S Kenyon St and Martin Luther King Jr Way S stands out, with 2 moderate-to-severe crashes reported.

Heavy Truck Accidents in Seattle

Collisions involving heavy trucks present unique risks due to the size and weight of these vehicles. In 2024, a total of 481 truck-related crashes were recorded in Seattle, with varying degrees of severity.

Breakdown of Heavy Truck Accidents:

1 fatal crash
18 suspected serious injuries
45 suspected minor injuries
49 possible injuries
368 crashes with no apparent injuries

The only fatal truck accident involved a motorcyclist, highlighting the increased danger for vulnerable road users in crashes with large vehicles.

In case of accidents in Seattle

Accidents can happen at any moment, and it’s normal to feel confused about what to do first. If you or a loved one have been injured on the streets of Seattle, we can help you take the first steps forward.