Inf 2943: Seattle SAFER (Safe Accountable Flexible Equitable Responsive) Streets Act - Draft Review of Traffic Safety Legislation

Description

Seattle SAFER (Safe Accountable Flexible Equitable Responsive) Streets Act - Draft Review of Traffic Safety Legislation

Summary

Seattle’s proposed SAFER Streets Act is a package of traffic-safety legislation centered on Vision Zero and the Safe System Approach, which aim to prevent deaths and serious injuries. One ordinance would make SDOT’s Vision Zero Action Plan the City’s safety guide; require safety-focused planning, data collection, public reporting, and annual progress reports; prioritize high-injury locations with equity considerations; and authorize measures such as daylighting, leading pedestrian intervals, no-turn-on-red rules, and speed management. It also requests WSDOT feedback on relevant ramp designs within 180 days. A second ordinance would combine the Chief Transportation Safety Officer’s duties with the City Traffic Engineer, including Vision Zero coordination and emergency authority to expedite or pilot safety changes. A developing measure would require side guards on contractor trucks used for City work.