The safety of MLK Way is under scrutiny as recent collision data reveals alarming trends for all road users.
With 2,772 crashes recorded on MLK Way, over 75% of these incidents involved two vehicles, primarily in the form of rear-end or angle collisions.
These types of crashes are typically linked to behaviors such as speeding, distraction, or swerving.
In total, vehicle-to-vehicle collisions have resulted in 1,152 injuries, 34 serious injuries, and 3 fatalities.
Since 2009, MLK Way has experienced 140 instances where drivers have collided with pedestrians, leading to injuries for 120 individuals, seriously injuring 16, and claiming the lives of 8.
This data highlights the significant threat these vehicle/pedestrian interactions pose, with a greater number of fatalities occurring in this category than others on MLK Way.
Adding to the peril are train-related accidents, as Link light rail trains run at-grade along the corridor.
The past 16 years have seen 117 vehicle-train collisions, injuring 57 people and resulting in 1 fatality.
Additionally, there have been 6 reported collisions involving Link trains and pedestrians, leading to 4 fatalities and 1 injury.
Reports suggest that the true numbers may be higher; The Urbanist noted 16 train/pedestrian collisions on MLK Way from 2009 to 2019, prompting follow-up efforts with Sound Transit for verification.
Outside of vehicle and train interactions, cyclists face their own risks on MLK Way.
Despite the absence of dedicated bike infrastructure south of Rainier Ave, 32 cyclists have been struck by vehicles, resulting in 29 injuries.
Moreover, there have been 156 instances of vehicles leaving the roadway since 2009, culminating in one fatal incident.
Each of these incidents underscores the urgent need for changes along MLK Way to prevent such dangerous occurrences, especially as the area’s population continues to grow.
A recent incident in 2022 saw a driver veer off the road near S Alaska St, crashing into various obstacles including bushes, bike racks, and a bus stop before damaging a building facade.
While the driver suffered serious injuries, fortunately, no one was at the bus stop at the time of the crash.
Since the launch of Link service in 2009, 1,493 individuals have been injured on MLK Way between Rainier Ave and Boeing Access Rd, with 76 suffering serious injuries and 19 fatalities, primarily involving pedestrians hit by vehicles or trains.
The data clearly indicates the inherent dangers faced by every type of road user on MLK Way, irrespective of their mode of transport.
Exploring the common themes behind these collisions reveals critical underlying issues such as excessive speeding and conflicts in physical space.
At present, MLK Way is designed for vehicles traveling at 35 mph; however, few curves and wide lanes encourage drivers to exceed this speed.
Reports from SDOT in March 2025 recorded an average vehicle speed of 31 mph, with about 25% of drivers exceeding 35 mph, and one vehicle recorded speeding at 88 mph.
This longstanding issue of speeding was epitomized just weeks after Link opened when a motorcyclist lost their life in a crash seemingly influenced by excessive speed.
Another leading cause of accidents on MLK Way is characterized as ‘at-grade space conflicts.’
These conflicts arise when two road users attempt to occupy the same space simultaneously, such as when a driver makes a left turn at a red light and collides with a Link train.
They can also occur when pedestrians disregard traffic signals in an attempt to catch a train, putting themselves at risk of being struck by vehicles.
The statistics confirm that the current street design on MLK Way is inadequate to keep all users safe, particularly given the wide width of the road—up to 142ft at S Alaska St—coupled with the limited number of halfway crossing signals.
The inefficiency of walk signals results in extended wait times; some pedestrians have reported waiting up to 45 seconds, leading to further delays in overall signal times and walk signals that activate only intermittently.
Consequently, many individuals choose to cross against signals, risking their safety to catch a departing train.
This report serves as the introduction to a series addressing MLK Way’s hazardous conditions.
The next installment will focus on potential improvements aimed at reducing the number of serious injuries and fatalities along the road.
On Wednesday, local candidates running for office will share their viewpoints on possible measures to enhance safety for all who travel along MLK Way.
image source from：seattletransitblog
