Even the most careful individuals can be affected by pedestrian accidents. From busy access points like I-90 to quiet residential streets, the risk is present throughout the city. Unforeseen accidents can disrupt lives and cause significant harm. By providing detailed insights and data on these risks, we aim to help you stay informed and makes safer choices. Here, we present a summary and overview of Spokane’s roadways and the areas with the highest incidence of pedestrian accidents during the 2023-2024 period.
I-90 Accesses
The roadway accesses to the city from I-90 have become a significant focal point for pedestrian accidents. Notably, at the entrances and exits on Brown St and Division St, records show that in 2023 alone, these areas witnessed 13 pedestrian accidents. Tragically, 4 of these incidents were fatal, and 2 resulted in severe, life-altering injuries.
In 2024, the area has unfortunately experienced 4 new accidents, with 2 resulting in fatalities. The prevalent explanation for these incidents is that drivers often struggle to adapt to the lower speed limits when transitioning from the interstate to the urban sections of the city. This failure to adjust leads to hazardous driving patterns and increased risk in otherwise calm residential streets.
N Division St
N Division St alone records multiple collision points along its various blocks, affecting pedestrians and cyclists. Last year, there were 20 recorded incidents, but fortunately, so far this year, only 4 incidents have been reported, with no fatalities.
South Hill Area
It is important to highlight that not all of the most dangerous areas are around heavy truck routes and highways. There are examples of much quieter residential areas that year after year appear in pedestrian accident statistics.
This is clearly identified in the incidence of pedestrian accidents in the South Hill area, just a few minutes south of downtown Spokane. Here, in a quiet residential neighborhood, 20 accidents were recorded in 2023. Although most resulted in minor injuries, W 2nd Ave and S and N Wall St are hotspots where one could suffer a collision with a motor vehicle. Specifically, at the intersection of N Wall St and W Riverside Ave, a fatal accident occurred.
Other Avenues to Consider
Additional areas of concern for pedestrian safety in Spokane during 2023 include two avenues near downtown. These avenues, within a short distance, each saw approximately a dozen incidents, highlighting their significance as accident-prone zones.
The first of these is Wesley Ave, which has seen numerous incidents on both its west and east sides. The other, with very similar figures in terms of accidents, is Maple St, primarily in its northern section, where the frequency of incidents has also been notably high.
What 2024 Data Tells Us So Far
As of August 2024, there had been 57 victims of pedestrian collisions involving motor vehicles, with 5 resulting in fatalities. These tragic incidents occurred at the following locations:
- East Empire Ave & N Morton Street
- N Brown Street
- S Division Street near I-90
- W Sunset Frontage Rd & S Grove Road
- W Sunset Highway
These statistics illustrate a clear reality: unfortunate events can befall pedestrians in bustling urban areas, along high-speed highways, and even in quieter, semi-rural zones. It underscores the need for vigilance and safety measures across all types of roadways.
All traffic statistics provided by the WSDOT the and Washington Traffic Safety Commission