The Washington Traffic Safety Commission has a bold vision for zero deaths and serious injuries by 2030. In 2023, 810 people died and 3,413 people were seriously injured in crashes involving motor vehicles on Washington roads, almost double the number in 2013. Each fatality is a cherished life – our community must act to prevent future harm.
In response to reports of concerns from the community, the Vashon-Maury Community Council invited King County experts to a conversation about road safety at its September 18 meeting. A recording of the meeting is available at tinyurl.com/4cn6nbkc. What we learned is summarized below.
Motor vehicle crashes
Since 2015, there have been eight fatalities on Vashon-Maury Island, ranging from 0 to 2 per year. Driver behaviors contributing to the accident included impairment (63%), speeding (38%), and distraction (13%). Hit-and-run accounted for 13% of these.
Five of the fatal accidents were along Vashon Highway, including three pedestrian fatalities in Vashon Town. Of the four driver fatalities, two were driving without a seatbelt and two were motorcyclists. (There was one passenger fatality whose seatbelt status was unknown.) No fatalities of bicyclists involving vehicles were reported.
John Vander Sluis, from King County Roads, reported on a project to analyze accident data and prevent recurrence, including possible changes to road design. He welcomes community input to help inform traffic safety action planning.
Deputies have made 267 traffic stops on the island through mid-September 2025 compared to 207 in 2024, including nine stops each year for driving under the influence (DUI), according to Sergeant Theresa Schrimpsher and Major Koby Hamill of the King County Sheriff’s Office. Substance-impaired driving has increased in recent years in Washington State and it is unknown how Vashon-Maury rates compare. Impairment may result from alcohol, prescription medication, or other substances. In September, a second deputy was assigned to Vashon-Maury island to patrol roads for unsafe driving.
King County road funding crisis
King County’s road network, spanning 1,500 miles with 93 bridges, faces a significantfunding gap of approximately $200 million, with current annual funding of $3 million,expected to decrease to $0 by 2028, said Leon Richardson, Director of King County Local Services.
There are separate budgets for road repairs and replacement, with maintenance like pothole repair prioritized over major replacements due to funding constraints. While temporary repairs can extend the life of roads, eventually full replacement becomes necessary, which is challenging given current budgetary limitations.
The road network in unincorporated King County is funded by a tax levy in unincorporated areas. The tax has an annual growth of 1%, which is outpaced by costs.The County has been exploring alternative revenue sources with the King County
Council and the Executive’s Office to address the maintenance needs, prioritizing critical life-safety repairs and leveraging grants where possible.
To report an urgent road repair need, contact the 24/7 Road Helpline. For non-urgent issues, use the Traffic Safety Action Planning survey.
24/7 Road Helpline
Report road maintenance and safety issues in unincorporated King County, such as downed stop signs, signals that are out, or trees over the roadway — 24 hours a day at 206-477-8100 or 1-800-527-6237. Find more information at tinyurl.com/w4nmtb4b.
Traffic safety feedback
Please visit https://publicinput.com/e00375 to help inform King County traffic safety action planning.
Target zero campaign
Washington State has a goal of zero deaths and injuries on Washington roads by 2030. Find out more at targetzero.com.
Road resurfacing projects
This page tinyurl.com/pnshrapb provides information about the pavement preservation program, including asphalt overlay and bituminous surface treatment (also known as a sealcoat or chip seal) – Road Resurfacing Projects – King County, Washington. The program is able to address a very limited amount of the 1,500 miles of county roads due to the road funding crisis. Roads are selected for resurfacing eachyear based on their condition and on available funding.
General questions to King County
Contact AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-3800. Bong StoDomingo (King County Local Services) holds office hours at the Vashon Chamber of Commerce every Tuesday from 9am-1pm.
Islanders who are concerned about the state of the roads are encouraged to contact King County Council Representative Teresa Mosqueda(teresa.mosqueda@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-1008) to urge for funding for road resurfacing and replacement.
We welcome Vashon-Maury islanders to attend meetings and committees of the Community Council to share their thoughts about island issues, including transportation.
Jennifer Hrachovec is the Secretary of the Vashon-Maury Community Council. Email Jen at secretary.v-mcc@proton.me or find out more at v-mcc.org.
