In a recent meeting of the Island Family Regional Transportation Organization (IRTPO), officials discussed the development of a comprehensive safety action plan aimed at reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries in Island County. The initiative, which has been in progress since April 2022, involves collaboration with various partners, including local governments and consulting firm DKS Associates.

The meeting highlighted alarming trends in traffic safety, with a notable increase in both fatal and serious injury crashes over the past decade, peaking in 2022. The IRTPO has set an ambitious goal to achieve zero traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2045, aligning this target with broader regional planning efforts.

Veronica Sullivan, a consultant on the project, emphasized the importance of public engagement, noting that three public meetings have already been held to gather community input. A fourth meeting is scheduled for October 30, where residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the project and provide feedback.

Funding for the safety action plan comes from the Safe Streets and Roads for All initiative, part of a bipartisan infrastructure law that allocates $5 billion over five years for projects aimed at enhancing road safety. Sullivan outlined plans to apply for additional funding opportunities, including the Highway Safety Improvement Program, to support the implementation of various safety projects across the county.

The comprehensive safety action plan will not only address vehicular safety but also consider the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, fostering a more inclusive transportation environment. The IRTPO is currently developing a prioritization matrix to evaluate potential projects based on crash data and community input, ensuring that the most pressing safety concerns are addressed first.

As the project progresses, officials remain committed to leveraging data-driven approaches to secure funding and implement effective safety measures, with the ultimate goal of creating a safer transportation network for all residents and visitors in Island County.