Tacoma, the port city with a population of less than a quarter of a million people, is no stranger to the rising trend of pedestrian and bicycle accidents. Known for its vibrant waterfront and proximity to Mount Rainier, Tacoma has been growing steadily, which unfortunately includes an increase in traffic-related incidents.
In 2023, there were 7 fatalities among pedestrians resulting from over 100 accidents on the streets involving pedestrians. The city’s expanding infrastructure has brought more vehicles and foot traffic, making safety a growing concern.
North End Zone
The western region of North End is considered one of the highest-risk locations for accidents. In 2023 alone, there were 7 fatalities and 2 individuals severely injured in this otherwise calm residential zone, just outside of West End.
Pacific Ave
This avenue has become a recurring hotspot for accidents involving both pedestrians and cyclists. In 2023 alone, it accounted for 4 fatalities, with incidents frequently occurring at the S 56th St intersection and throughout the surrounding South End area.
E Portland Ave
A key area to watch is E Portland Ave, where it merges with Bay St. This transition from a regular street to a major highway leads to changing speed limits, which can be dangerous for pedestrians. This issue is common in all areas near I-5, making these zones particularly important for addressing accidents and safety concerns.
2024
As of September 2024, there have been 64 victims of pedestrian collisions involving motor vehicles, with 8 resulting in fatalities and 16 serious life changing injuries. These tragic incidents occurred at the following locations:
- Martin Luther King Jr Way at S 8th St
- S Sprague Ave, near Peck Field Park
- State Route 16, close to Cheney Stadium
- Intersection of S Tyler St and S Wright Ave
- S 72nd St and E 72nd St, near Pacific Ave
- 2 @ Pacific Ave
Vision Zero
In 2020, Tacoma’s City Council adopted Resolution 40559, which set a target to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2035 through the Vision Zero program. As of January 1, 2023, speed limits in Tacoma neighborhoods have been lowered, with 20 miles per hour (MPH) now being the limit for residential streets, areas typically surrounded by homes, parks, and schools. In addition, four business districts—6th Avenue, Old Town, McKinley Hill, and Lincoln—saw a reduction in their speed limits from 30 MPH to 25 MPH. Proctor and South Tacoma had already established the 25 MPH speed limit in their neighborhood business zones.
One strategy emphasizes changing drivers’ mindset from just avoiding collisions to reducing the risk of serious or deadly crashes. Often, in trying to dodge small obstacles like potholes or bumps, we make risky maneuvers that actually raise the danger and can lead to much worse accidents.