SR 27 Traffic Safety Corridor Project

The SR 27 Corridor consists of approximately 20 miles from Rockford (milepost 68.95) to Trent Avenue (SR 290) in the City of Spokane Valley (milepost 87.70). The project also includes SR 278 through Rockford (milepost 0.00 to 1.09). The traffic count ranges from 5,000 to 28,000 daily. The traffic is mainly commuter and local traffic with increasing volumes in the southern most portions as one of the primary routes to Hwy 95 to Worley, Idaho and Pullman, Washington.

In the three year period (February 2004 – January 2007) there were a total of 486 reported collisions. Ten of the collisions (2%) on the Corridor involved fatal or disabling injuries. The majority of collisions occur in clear, dry weather (66%) and during daylight hours (70%). Although the number of crashes is fairly consistent throughout the year, June and December are the highest months for collisions (22%). Wednesday is the highest day of the week for collisions. The hours of 3 – 5 p.m. have the largest number of collisions with four of the ten fatal/disabling collisions occurring during this time period.

The four leading contributing circumstances of collisions are: failing to yield; following too close; exceeding safe speed; and, disregarding signal. The seventeen year-old driver is over-represented in collisions on the Corridor. Rear-end and right angle collisions are higher in this Corridor than on other similar roads in the region and state. Failing to yield collisions are higher than on similar roads in the region and state and contribute to more fatal/disabling injuries. Under the influence of alcohol are also higher than on similar roads in the region and the state.

SR 291 Traffic Safety Corridor Project Update

The SR 291 Traffic Safety Corridor Project began on April 1, 2005. A few of the accomplishments in the first year include:

• Installation of side-street indicator lights on the stop lights at Monroe and Francis to enable law enforcement to stop redlight runners in a safer manner.

• Speed limit at Rifle Club Road has been reduced to 35 mph making it more compatible to the high volume of traffic.

• Increased enforcement on the Corridor and side roads/streets by SPD, WSP and the SCSO. This has resulted in comments from citizens who say it takes longer to get to work because the traffic has slowed down.

• A Public Service Announcement (PSA) has been produced by KXLY to draw attention to driving safely on the Corridor.

• Coffee sleeves, napkins and table tents have been supplied to businesses along the Corridor.

The Corridor project will continue through August of 2007.

The majority of crashes (approx. 69%) occur during clear, dry weather and during daylight hours (approx. 68%). Crashes are distributed fairly evenly throughout the months of the year. However, Saturdays are the highest day of the week. The late afternoon commute is clearly the high-crash time.

Four leading causes of crashes are: Following Too Close, Failing to Yield, Disregarding Signals and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. All occur at rates higher than for similar roadways in the region as well as within the state. Following Too Close is the cause of crashes at a rate of 43% higher and Disregarding Signals is the cause of disabling crashes at a rate of 62% higher than similar roadways in the region. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol is the second leading cause of fatal and disabling crashes, but those occur at a rate similar to other similar roadways.

SR 291 Traffic Safety Project seeks to reduce collisions on the corridor by using low-cost, short-term solutions through partnerships with community groups, business, engineering, enforcement education, public health and concerned citizens. Over the next few years, Spokane County residents can expect to see a myriad of education, enforcement, and engineering activities designed to make SR 291 safer for Spokane Residents.

Why was SR 291 selected?

A corridor is selected based on two things:

1. There is statistical evidence that a section or set of roadways has a significant crash problem.

2. There is energy on the local level to undertake a corridor project. Concerned citizens and lead community agencies jumped on board to lend their knowledge, expertise and resources to heighten community awareness about the corridor's concerns and to implement prevention methods.

What is the SR 291 Corridor?

The proposed SR 291 corridor project will run westbound on Francis, from Division to Nine Mile Road. The route is straddled by businesses and residential homes, is conducive for community mobilization and is positioned for a successful project.

What can I expect to see on SR 291 as a result of this project?

Spokane citizens can expect to see:

• Several traffic safety public awareness campaigns such as table tents and coffee sleeves at area businesses and heightened media attention regarding SR 291.

• Increased enforcement on the corridor.

• Innovative engineering projects.

How can I get involved?

There are several ways you can get involved - simply placing the attached static cling sticker in your window helps to heighten awareness of the corridor project. Or, you can participate on the Task Force by contacting the Spokane County Traffic Safety Commission's Traffic Safety Coordinator, Peggy Hodges at 509/477-2342 or phodges@spokanecounty.org

State Route 904 (Memorial Highway) Corridor
(I-90/Four Lakes to Cheney City Limits)

The SR 904 (Memorial Highway) corridor consists of 7.87 miles of State Highway, starting on the south edge of Cheney City limits near Mullenix Road and running through the City of Cheney and north to its intersection with I-90 at Four Lakes. The traffic load ranges from 2,500 to 12,400 vehicles per day and its comprised of local and commuter traffic, with a major portion of the commute load being generated by Eastern Washington University students. Available data indicates that 144 crashes occurred during the three-year period Jan 1999 - Dec 2001. Seven percent (7%) of those crashes involved fatalities or disabling injuries. The majority of crashes occur during clearn to partly cloudly weather (64%) and during daylight hours (73%). Crashes are distributed fairly uniformly throughout ten months of the years, Wednesdays have the highest and 3:00pm is the peak hour for crashes. Approximately 50% of drivers involved in crashes are under age 25.

SR904/Memorial Highway Traffic Facts

It takes an average driver 1.5 seconds to recognize a hazard and then react by hitting their brakes. In all driving situations, the best way to avoid potential dangers is to position your vehicle where you have the best chance of seeing and being seen by other drivers. By maintaining a safe following distance between you and other vehicles you can see potential dangers ahead of hte vehicle you are following and vehicles can see you in their mirrors.

The most common type of collission is a rear-end collision. Use the 2 to 3 second rule to establish a safe following distance. At highway speeds you will need to count higher to allow for adequate stopping distance.

Most collisions occur when the roadway conditions are dry. Because most collisions occur when the roads are dry it is important to remember to stay focused and keep your mind on the road. Distracted drivers are thinking about things other than the road in front of them and the vehicles around them. Talking on a cell phone, reading a map, or eating while driving are just some examples of driving while distracted.

When driving 60 mph, you travel 88 feet per second. When driving at 60 mph you need approximately 6 to 8 seconds of come to a stop.

From January 1999 to December 2001, 144 crashes occurred on Memorial Highway 904. Seven percent of these crashes involved fatalities or disabling injuries. Overturns are the leading type of collisions leading to these injuries and fatalities.

January has unusually high number of crashes. While crashes are uniformly distributed throughout the years, January is usually high and April is ususally low.

The highest number of collisions occur during daylight hours. The majority of crashes occur during clear to partly cloudy weather and during daylight hours. The peak hour for crashes is 3:00pm.

The primary contributing cause/factor that leads to total number of collisions is failing to yield. Common driving errors can lead to road rage. More and more drivers have started acting out their anger after they have been cut off, tailgated or slowed down by another vehicle. More information and suggestions on how to prevent aggressive driving behaviors can be found in the Aggressive Driving information section. Aggressive Driving

SR 904/Memorial Highway Traffic Safety Project Review

The SR 904/Memorial Highway Traffic Safety Project began in July, 2003. From July through December 2003 the following collision data was gathered:

• Total Collisions down 3.5%

• Rear-End Collisions down 23%

• Driveway Collisions down 54%

• Failing to Yield down 65%

• Speeding up 64%

• Following Too Close down 37%

Past Traffic Safety Corridor Projects

Throughout Spokane County, several traffic safety corridor projects such as the Trent Avenue, Division Street "D Zone" and the Highway 395 or "Y Zone" projects were conducted. Past Corridor Projects