Prosecutors warn of rising traffic deaths, serious injuries in King County

King County Prosecutors from the Felony Traffic Unit are raising concerns over a recent, significant increase in traffic fatalities and serious injury crashes in the region.

As of May 2024, the specialized prosecutors reported a 143% increase in felony-level traffic crime cases compared to 2019. The data indicate that the years 2019–2020 saw a notable spike in deadly crashes in King County, a trend that has continued unabated.

In response to this growing public safety and health crisis, King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion established the Felony Traffic Unit in 2023. The unit comprises three attorneys, victim advocates, a restitution investigator, and paralegals, all working to bring offenders to justice and support victims.

The statistics are sobering. In 2022, King County experienced 151 traffic fatalities, a 94% increase compared to 2013. Additionally, 2022 saw 709 serious injury crashes, a 561% increase compared to 2014. These tragedies disproportionately impact communities of color, highlighting racial and ethnic disparities in traffic-related incidents.

Key factors contributing to the increase in fatalities and serious injuries include higher rates of drug and alcohol impairment, more drivers hitting pedestrians and bicyclists, and a rise in unrestrained occupants not wearing seat belts.

Addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is committed to doing its part. Prosecutors urge the public to report traffic crimes to law enforcement and make use of available resources, such as the Washington Department of Licensing and the King County Traffic Safety Coalition.

For more information and resources, visit:

• WA Department of Licensing: https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-safety/report-unsafe-drivers
• King County Traffic Safety Coalition: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/safety-injury-prevention/traffic-safety/traffic-safety-coalition
• Washington Traffic Safety Commission: https://wtsc.wa.gov/