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Transportation Accidents

Photo: Train DerailmentAs one of the main transportation hubs in the northwest, King County is home to major highways, air transportation, railroad, operations and a deep-water marine port. As a result of this distinction, growth and traffic issues in our region continue to increase the risk of transportation accidents, making our area vulnerable to all types of transportation emergencies.

Highways: The Central Puget Sound region is likely to experience an increase of accidents along our highways as congestion increases as privately-owned vehicles and local bus services traveling on area freeways, highways and roads provide the primary means of transportation for individuals in King County. However, many accidents involve rain, high speeds, and heavy traffic; conditions certainly not unique to our area, as rain and fog are common, especially during the winter months, while heavy traffic and high speeds are common throughout the year.

Air Transportation: The largest airport in King County, for both passenger and cargo traffic, is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where domestic and international service is provided by several airlines. The Puget Sound is vulnerable to two types of major air transportation accidents. One is a crash involving a large passenger aircraft, while the other is an airplane crash causing casualties on the ground. Despite the large number of planes flying over heavily populated areas, the number of crashes killing or injuring non-passengers is quite small. Weather is a significant factor in air transportation accidents with down bursts, thunderstorms, and ice as the primarily weather-related events that increase risk.

Rail Transportation: Rail carriers in this area include Burlington Northern and the Union Pacific for freight traffic, Amtrak for passenger travel, and the Sounder for commuter rail service. While an accident involving a passenger train traveling through our region could result in a mass-casualty incident, the greatest risk associated with freight trains is a spill of hazardous materials. For more information on hazardous materials releases, please visit the hazardous materials section.

Marine Transportation: As with other modes of transportation, there are both passengers and cargo transported in King County. The Washington State Ferry System provides the primary means of marine passenger transport in our region with four ferry terminals located in the County jurisdiction. In addition to Puget Sound itself, the region contains many smaller bodies of water, which are vulnerable to shipping and boating accidents, as well as those involving ferries. Ferry accidents could result in mass casualty incidents while major emergencies associated with freight vessels are more likely to result from spills or collisions with passenger vessels.

Hazard-specific Preparedness Steps

On the Road:

  1. When on the road, drive defensively and avoid aggressive driving behaviors that commonly cause accidents. If you have witnessed or are a victim of multiple aggressive driving acts, you can report it to the Washington State Patrol on-line.

  2. Pay attention to your driving and refrain from using your cell phone (which is illegal in many areas) and other activities that may cause you to be distracted.

  3. Be prepared for major traffic delays in the event of a traffic accident. Make sure you have a disaster kit for your car.

  4. Plan alternate routes to and from work, school and other important destinations.

  5. Keep your gas tank at least half-full at all times in the event you get stopped or delayed in traffic.

  6. Prepare for accidents involve the transport of  "hazardous materials."

  7. See General Preparedness Steps below for more disaster planning basics.

Response Steps

One the Road:

  1. Follow the instructions of emergency officials.

  2. Monitor your radio for emergency information and instructions.

  3. Remain in your vehicle unless directed to do otherwise.

  4. Keep your eye on the road and those directing traffic! Trying to see what's going on at an accident scene slows traffic movement, puts emergency workers at risk, and often causes additional accidents and injuries. 

General Preparedness Steps

  1. Have and practice a family disaster plan.

  2. Establish meeting places and phone numbers in case family members are separated.

  3. Identify an out-of-state contact to call during a major disaster or emergency; it will be easier to call out of the area if local lines are tied up.

  4. Make sure everyone knows when and how to call 9-1-1.

  5. Keep your disaster supply kits up to date. Make sure you have kits for your home, vehicle, work and school.

  6. Get a tone-alert NOAA Weather Radio to receive emergency notifications and up-to-date information and instructions.

  7. Teach all family members when, where and how to turn off utilities. Make sure you have the appropriate equipment, such as a wrench, handy.

  8. Make sure you understand the emergency plans and expectations at your child's school and your work.

  9. Preplan alternate transportation routes to and from work and other important destinations.

  10. Be sure to keep at least a half-tank of gas in your vehicle at all times; power outages often accompany disasters and gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. 

  11. Know ahead of time what you should do to help family, friends or neighbors who are elderly or have special needs.

See "related links" for more details on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from this type of a disaster or emergency.

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  Updated: April 21, 2008