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Spokane in Focus

Starting a new year isn’t just about looking ahead. It’s also about learning from what we’ve already faced. Spokane drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians continue to share busy roads that can quickly turn dangerous when distraction, speeding, or impaired driving comes into play.

In 2024 alone, Spokane saw more than 3,400 traffic crashes. From minor fender benders to life-altering accidents. Behind every number is a person, a family, and a story suddenly changed. That’s why understanding where and why crashes happen in Spokane is so important: it helps us all stay more aware and, ultimately, safer.

20 were fatal.
102 resulted in suspected serious injuries.
499 involved minor injuries.

Of the 20 fatal crashes recorded in Spokane in 2024, six occurred on Interstate 90 or its entrances. Notably, four of these crashes took place on the curved section where I-90 transitions into W Highway 2, a known trouble spot for drivers.

Certain areas in Spokane have seen a high incidence of serious injury crashes in 2024:

E Sprague Ave (East Central area): Four serious injuries were reported.
N Division Street (between N Newport Highway and W Francis Ave): This short stretch accounted for five severe crashes.
N Crestline St (around Hays Park): Three serious crashes occurred in this area, including one directly in front of Hays Park Post Office.

2024 Distracted Driving in Spokane

In 2024, distracted driving played a role in 629 crashes across Spokane, with 7 resulting in fatalities and 94 confirmed injuries. The most common distractions include cell phones, in-car dashboard screens, and passengers in the vehicle.

Pedestrians and Cyclists

In 2024, Spokane recorded 154 pedestrian-involved crashes, with 7 fatalities. Certain areas saw higher concentrations of these incidents.

N Monroe St (near The Community College): Two severe pedestrian accidents occurred in this area.
E Empire Ave & N Morton St: Though these streets may seem quiet, they have proven to be dangerous. Fatal pedestrian crashes aren’t limited to highways or high-traffic roads.
East & West 2nd Ave / 3rd Ave: These parallel streets, located near I-90, saw a combined 12 pedestrian crashes in 2024, with 7 on 2nd Ave and 5 on 3rd Ave.

Cyclists remain vulnerable on Spokane’s roads, with 48 reported bicycle crashes so far in 2024. Of these:

1 resulted in a fatality
33 involved confirmed injuries

Drunk Driving Accidents in Spokane: 2024 Trends

In 2024, Spokane recorded 183 alcohol-related crashes, with 6 resulting in fatalities. One of these fatalities was a pedestrian.

Fatal Drunk Driving Accident Locations in Spokane during 2024:

W 29th St & S Bernard St – Friday night
W Sunset Highway – Wednesday early morning
I-90 (East Central area) – Thursday early morning
E Sprague Ave & N Freya St – Thursday afternoon
E Empire Ave & N Morton St – Saturday night
N Division St (Town and Country area) – Friday night

Most of these incidents occurred at intersections and during late-night or weekend hours, reinforcing the need for caution and responsible choices when drinking.

Motorcycle Accidents in Spokane: 2024

In 2024, Spokane reported 84 motorcycle crashes, with 5 resulting in fatalities and 50 involving confirmed injuries.

Photo by Mehmet Talha Onuk

Motorcycle Fatal Crash Locations:

US Route 2, after splitting from I-90
E Sprague Ave & N Freya St
N Division St, near Corbin Park
N Driscoll Blvd & N Albert St – a complex intersection
N Rebecca St

Other Notable Crash Data (2024)

Beyond the major categories, Spokane also saw various crash types involving specific vehicle groups and environmental factors:

Teen Drivers: 443 crashes, 2 fatal, 75 confirmed injuries
Buses: 59 crashes, mostly minor, with 5 reported injuries
Trucks: 167 crashes, 3 fatal, at least 11 injuries
Wildlife Collisions: 6 crashes, mainly in South Inland Empire Way, an area with large open spaces like public parks, conservation areas, and golf courses

Spokane’s Most Dangerous Intersections: Top 3 High-Risk Locations

Among the 10 intersections with the highest number of accidents, three stand out for their frequency of crashes and injuries:

1. Greene Street & Mission Avenue

The most dangerous intersection in Spokane, with 68 injuries recorded since 2017.
Located next to Spokane Community College and an STA transit center, both high-pedestrian areas.
The upcoming Children of the Sun Trail will pass above this area, potentially increasing pedestrian and cyclist traffic.

2. Nevada Street & Francis Avenue

53 injuries in crashes since 2017.
A five-lane intersection in both directions, increasing traffic complexity.
Served by STA Route 28 (one of the highest ridership routes) and Route 35.
A narrow sidewalk near the northbound Route 28 bus stop forces pedestrians close to fast-moving traffic.
Features a drive-thru coffee stand, which can create hazards by disrupting traffic flow and reducing pedestrian safety.

3. Maple Street Bridge

46 injuries since 2017.
Speeding is the most common factor in crashes here.
The city has acknowledged the issue, placing a permanent radar speed sign on the north bank.
No signalized intersections, so crashes are not due to red-light running like at other high-risk locations.
The Riverside Avenue entrance poses challenges, with a blind merge, limited acceleration space, and a median barrier blocking visibility.

High-Risk Intersections in Spokane: Ranked 4-10

Beyond the top three most dangerous intersections, these locations have also seen a high number of crashes and injuries in recent years:

4. Hamilton Street & Mission Avenue
5. Division Street & Magnesium Road
6. Division Street & Francis Avenue
7. Division Street & Lincoln Road – Town and Country Neighborhood
8. Nevada Street & Wellesley Avenue
9. Ash Street & Wellesley Avenue
10. Browne Street & Second Avenue

Spokane’s Most Dangerous Intersections Breakdown

Within the 10 intersections with the highest number of incidents and accidents, key patterns emerge:

Four intersections feature five lanes of traffic in both directions, increasing the risk of severe collisions.
Three locations are in high-foot-traffic areas, including a college and transit center, a high school, and another college.
Three intersections are situated near major grocery stores, where frequent stops and turns contribute to crash risks.
Seven locations are on Spokane Transit Authority (STA) routes, with 83% of STA riders walking to their stops, making pedestrian safety a key concern.
Seven of these intersections are north of the river, with none on South Hill.

What to Do After a Spokane Accident

The statistics from Spokane tell a difficult truth — accidents happen in every corner of the city, from quiet neighborhood streets to major routes like I-90 and Division Street. And while these numbers may feel overwhelming, what matters most is how each individual moves forward after an accident.

If you’ve been hurt in a crash, whether as a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Medical bills, insurance claims, and lost wages can quickly pile up — but you have the right to seek help and pursue the compensation you deserve.

The Advocates have stood beside countless Spokane residents after life-changing accidents. Our attorneys know the city’s most dangerous roads, understand how insurers operate, and are committed to guiding you step by step through your recovery.

If you or someone you love has been injured in Spokane, call The Advocates today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for the outcome you deserve.

👉 Contact our Spokane office today.

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Spokane 2024: A Year in Crash Statistics