Washington State releases plans to end traffic deaths by 2030

OLYMPIA — Washington state transportation officials announced a plan to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on state roads by 2030, introducing new safety measures and policy recommendations.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) released their 2024 Target Zero Plan, which changes the state's approach to traffic safety since the program's inception in 2000.

The updated plan introduces three foundational elements: Prosocial Traffic Safety Culture, the Safe System Approach, and an Equity Framework. The plan incorporates the Safe System Approach for the first time, acknowledging human error and focusing on creating infrastructure that prevents fatal outcomes from crashes.

"We simply cannot continue to see crashes, deaths and injuries increase on our roadways," said Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar of WSDOT. "We know several ways to keep everyone safer while expanding access to all, and this plan and recommendations include important steps to inform state funding decisions and achieve our 2030 safety goals."

The plan comes as Washington faces rising traffic fatalities. Key policy recommendations include reducing the legal blood alcohol content limit to .05, implementing strategies for safer driving speeds, and making driver education more accessible through financial assistance.

"Traffic fatalities have devastating impacts on families and communities, and we must use every tool available to eliminate these tragic losses," said WTSC Director Shelly Baldwin. "The 2024 Target Zero Plan outlines a clear path to achieve safer roads for everyone in Washington."

The plan details shared responsibility among all road users and lists six key elements: safer land use, safer people, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer speeds, and post-crash care. It also includes measures for active transportation infrastructure to protect vulnerable road users.

The Target Zero initiative, which began in 2000, guides Washington's work to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. State officials want stakeholders, including policymakers, transportation planners, and the public, to support the plan's safety initiatives.

For more information, the complete plan is available at https://targetzero.com.