SDOT urges you to ‘Slow the Flock Down’

Back in May, we covered the Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board‘s monthly meeting for an update on the campaign launched in West Seattle to try to encourage drivers to stop for pedestrians. At that meeting, SDOT noted that the campaign was part of a state-grant-funded effort to also encourage drivers to slow down, qnd talked about some possible new slogans. One has just gone public: “Slow the Flock Down.”

Billboards are planned around the city, including one in West Seattle, at the north end of Delridge Way, as well as other types of advertisements, and yard signs. You can read the full SDOT announcement here, including this explanation of why they’re focusing on speeding:

Speed is the most critical factor in the frequency and severity of crashes. How fast a person is driving affects their field of vision, how quickly they can react, and the amount of time it takes to come to a complete stop. Driving the speed limit can mean the difference between life and death. The faster someone is driving, the more likely they are to be involved in a crash and the greater damage they can do. A person hit by a car traveling 30 miles per hour is twice as likely to be killed than someone hit by a driver going 25 mph.

Insertname July 11, 2022 (2:34 pm)

I like it. Hopefully these dumb flocks that speed get the message.

Flo B July 11, 2022 (2:38 pm)

Just ducky! Don’t want to have any accidents and get someone quacked up.

WSGuy July 11, 2022 (2:41 pm)

No ducking way that will happen given that I’ve seen speeds increase around here over the past year.

Fred July 11, 2022 (2:45 pm)

Speeding is common all over West Seattle. 50 miles per hour on Hanford happens a lot. I don’t think the drivers care if they hit someone. They are incredibly self centered and preoccupied. I just hope that when they crash, they will wake up.

Jort July 11, 2022 (3:07 pm)

No, Fred, if they crash they’ll probably just drive away. “It’s ok if I do it. I’m special.”
- My two cents July 11, 2022 (3:25 pm)
  
  Fred and Jort just look at it this way, any car going 50 that crashes will likely be totaled, so one less car on the streets.
  - Tony July 11, 2022 (3:38 pm)
    
    The problem with that take on it is that there will be casualties other than these #!*&head drivers. There are so many people with kids crossing Hanford on a daily basis.

Derek July 11, 2022 (2:50 pm)

People should driver slower but man this city already has some of the worst, slowest drivers around. Getting people to go the speed limit at a minimum is a chore it seems.

Jort July 11, 2022 (4:21 pm)

The speed limit — is a limit. Not a minimum. It is a maximum limit. As in, you are limited to 25 miles per hour and no higher.
Auntie July 11, 2022 (6:25 pm)

Guess you haven’t spent much time driving on Delridge. You’d think it was the Indy500, the way people use the bus lane to pass on the right southbound, and sometimes even going into the oncoming traffic lane. And let’s don’t start talking about 35th (aka I-35) where that little blinky speed limit notice is always flashing “slow down” in red. I think there will be no slowing down these speed-racers until there is some enforcement.
Km July 11, 2022 (6:34 pm)

It’s a limit, Derek.

Fan of Kelp Forests July 11, 2022 (2:59 pm)

Cool idea. Some Colombian cities have used mimes to encourage better driving.

Alan Ford July 11, 2022 (3:00 pm)

And a person hit by a car traveling 25 miles per hour is twice as likely to be killed than someone hit by a driver going 15 mph, and so on… The message is clear: stay home and don’t drive anywhere.

Jort July 11, 2022 (4:19 pm)

Or, you know, another simple option is to just slow down, follow the law and do your part to follow the law and help mitigate the risks of driving. This is not a totalitarian imposition; the alternative to speeding is not “no more driving” except in the fantasies of those who somehow fabricate a supposed “war on cars” in the country with more per capita road deaths than any other major developed country.
Kathy July 11, 2022 (4:40 pm)

No, go wherever you want, just drive carefully and respect other road users who are not getting around in a 2+ ton car. If that is too hard, by all means leave your car at home and travel on foot, by bike, or on public transportation.
John July 11, 2022 (6:46 pm)

True. This city keeps lowering speed limits, removing lanes, and reducing parking in an effort to frustrate people into using public transportation. But our mass transit system is about 3 decades behind so yeah, I know I go less places out of the sheer headache it takes to get anywhere.

Odd son July 11, 2022 (3:05 pm)

Enforcement instead of signs. Cute signs “aint” workin’.

John July 11, 2022 (6:52 pm)

Cops better not be sitting around with speed traps when they can’t even find the time to show up and stop my neighbor from beating his girlfriend. Just saying.

Jort July 11, 2022 (3:08 pm)

Billboards! That’ll do it. Begging always does the trick! “Please guys, come on, please slow down, please come on guys seriously please.”

they July 11, 2022 (3:13 pm)

I don’t like the 25mph limit…but it’s the law, I know ha,ha,ha…In my view there are some like it or not do the limit because they follow the law, others with little to no impulse control seem to get trigger when caught behind one of these rule followers and well we all see it every day. The head scratcher is the NO INFORCMENT…

Boinsted July 11, 2022 (3:18 pm)

“A person hit by a car traveling 30 miles per hour is twice as likely to be killed than someone hit by a driver going 25 mph.”So what is the driver of the 25 mph ‘assumed vehicle’ driving? Is it a car? Or a train? Is there a scientific study behind this loosely worded stat? Or just hyperbole? Either way – I agree we should SLOW THE DUCK DOWN.

Neighbor July 11, 2022 (3:22 pm)

I don’t get it. The ducks are the pedestrians, right? So the city is asking drivers to delay pedestrians? I don’t understand what this slogan is supposed to actually mean. It just sounds like a cute way to not swear. But it doesn’t actually make any sense. How are pedestrians like ducks?

Scubafrog July 11, 2022 (3:22 pm)

I feel awful for law-abiding victims of flockery (and wildlife). I still have compassion and empathy for the turkeys who speed, and end up torn asunder in any capacity. However, my empathy only goes so far a perpetrator. Slow down, buy a big droptop Cadillac and leannnn back.

heyalki July 11, 2022 (3:40 pm)

I wonder if anyone’s ever seen one of these signs and actually made an adjustment. If they already don’t give a f about anyone but themselves getting somewhere 2 seconds faster are they going to change their ways because of a duck? Doubt it. PS- Fix the potholes please

Delridge neighbor July 11, 2022 (3:46 pm)

I do hope SDOT, the mayor and the city council think about adding speeding cameras and aggressively ticket where deaths and serious injuries have occurred. No death is worth driving reckless.

Flo B July 11, 2022 (7:13 pm)

Delridge Neighbor. Nobody’s actually pushing for what you’re asking for. Why? Because NOBODY is a “perfect driver”. The finger pointers here are smart enough to know they’re not “perfect drivers” themselves. Can’t figure out how to catch and fine “those other” drivers and exempt themselves…..
Look Both Ways July 11, 2022 (9:55 pm)

Absolutely NOT. We don’t need a nanny state. Speed cameras and related devices have proven ineffective, and sadly — predatory — in other major metros like Chicago, NYC, SF etc. where implemented (and removed). Even the metro buses don’t drive 25 mph along Delridge, 16th SW and so on…are we going to ticket bus drivers, too? Let’s focus budgets and attention on the problems; ie. lack of enforcement, poor road conditions, poor crosswalk markings, signage and education. The facts support that Seattle is one of the safest major metros when it comes to pedestrian incidents (it’s not even in the top 20 for incidents). This campaign is cute for some awareness, but largely a solution seeking a problem.
bill July 11, 2022 (9:59 pm)

Delridge Neighbor: State law limits the number of speed cameras and where they can be installed.
- Delridge neighbor July 12, 2022 (7:06 pm)
  
  A girl was hit and killed in front of my home from a speeding driver. I see the spot and am reminded of the reckless driver every time I look at that spot. It’s not hard to slow down and those who speed deserve getting ticketed aggressively. Maybe that girl would still be alive if speeding wasn’t stigmatized as being normal. 25 mph and she would still be alive. Speed cameras may not be legal but it would have helped remind drivers to slow down.

UselessPoliticians July 11, 2022 (3:56 pm)

Project Zero Vision has proven to be a colossal failure as pedestrian accidents have steadily increased (even during COVID when driving was down in genera). What these speed limit changes have done is prove the lazy method of just reducing speed limits on every street has resulted in a HUGE increase in road rage incidents. Are the signs part of the defund the police? To change behavior you need speed patrols which should be performed by armed police because it often leads to finding criminals. So the woke future seems to be signs and mall cops now for public safety. On the other hand maybe police don’t matter anyway because criminals (even speeders) can just…well….speed away from police now.

Dave July 12, 2022 (4:12 am)

This is such a stretch and bordering on full on madness it would be funny if it weren’t for the fact that 45% of the voting populace agrees with you and somehow that means you get to decide what happens.
Scubafrog July 12, 2022 (4:38 am)

I should say. “Woke” appears to mean ‘educated’, ‘moral’ and ‘ethical’. What great traits! It really doesn’t have anything to do with speeding, does it. Slow down on the road, and do the posted speed limits, please.

Azimuth July 11, 2022 (4:05 pm)

Education is important but enforcement is part of the puzzle. Many people need a stick from time to time.

Look Both Ways July 11, 2022 (4:11 pm)

Seattle is one of the safer major metros for pedestrians, by far. It’s not even in the top 20 for pedestrian-related accidents for major markets. This campaign is a solution seeking a problem. Fix the potholes (which cause all kinds of erratic driving behavior) and use the funds for increase enforcement at intersections where issues happen most often. And yes, teach those around you to look both ways before crossing.

Sick of SDOT July 11, 2022 (4:16 pm)

If there is one thing SDOT knows well it is how to be slow. 33 months and counting.

Seattlite July 11, 2022 (4:24 pm)

Whatever happened to speeding tickets? Oh yea…SPD does not have enough officers to handle crazy drivers. I was shocked at how many drivers were doing 40 and 50 mph up Admiral Way. On Erskine Road, drivers go up to 40 mph even with the speed bumps.

Flo B July 11, 2022 (4:30 pm)

On a serious note, SDOT’s wasting our money again. These signs will have ZERO effect on slowing speeders down. But it gives them a warm feeling that they’re doing something good. If only they cared as much about our bridge and road infrastructure………..hope springs eternal.

Jort July 11, 2022 (4:32 pm)

This city will do literally anything to slow down drivers … except for anything that actually works. They’ll change some signs, put up some billboards, shake their heads somberly about road deaths, even say that they, themselves have “no excuses” for rising death rates … but then leave the entire cars-first road infrastructure largely untouched, practically eliminate enforcement and then genuinely wonder, mouths agape, “Why aren’t people slowing down?!?!?!?!?!?!” There are proven tools and methods for saving lives in this city, but our politicians are are too timid, weak and afraid to push back on an out-of-control me-first driving culture — and the engineering that enables it — which is resulting in more and more human lives lost with each passing year.

Really? July 11, 2022 (4:47 pm)

Cute won’t change anything. Do you really think any sign for that matter will make a difference? Its a waste of money. Get to the root cause and spend our hard earned tax money to make real sustainable change. People will forever drive fast and a sign won’t change that. Enforcement does make a difference. Road diets, speed humps and signs are simply a waste of money. I kinda wonder if they increase road rage. The speed limits keep going down, yet the accidents keep happening. Bottom line is drivers are distracted and/or frustrated and that’s the recipe for trouble. One last thought, It bothers me that our SDOT thinks promoting foul language even if disguised and using cute ducks is ok. Its advertising to kids! Now parents have to try to explain those signs. SDOT is missing the real solutions.

Fred July 11, 2022 (5:07 pm)

I agree. Waste of money. Enforcement is needed.

Jimmy July 11, 2022 (5:15 pm)

I was almost hit by 4 different cars by taco time in white center crossing the street, one car ran a solid red light and the other three cars didn’t look for people in the crosswalk at all they just zoomed on by turning right and left. Cars also speed down the residential streets I live on and don’t slow down!

CommonSense July 11, 2022 (5:27 pm)

Project Zero Vision has proven to be a failure as pedestrian accidents have steadily increased (even during COVID when driving was down in genera). What these speed limit changes have done is prove the lazy method of just reducing speed limits on every street has resulted in a HUGE increase in road rage incidents. Are the signs part of the defund the police? To change behavior you need speed patrols which should be performed by armed police because it often leads to finding criminals. So the future seems to be signs and mall cops now for public safety. On the other hand maybe police don’t matter anyway because criminals (even speeders) can just…well….speed away from police now?

Kevin on Delridge July 12, 2022 (1:50 pm)

Wow, same comment twice with a different name? CommonSense and UselessPoliticians.

You are correct that our implementation of Vision Zero is flawed, but that is because we aren’t actually doing it. You can read about it here (https://visionzeronetwork.org/about/what-is-vision-zero/), I am sure you’ve done that already…

Speed Limit changes alone would be a part of the Traditional Approach called out in the link above because it relies on Individual Responsibility.

There is simply no way to scale “speed patrols” nor do we need to. We have examples all over the world that we can look reference on how to design our spaces to prevent speeding and in turn accidents (fatal or otherwise). We also have counter examples right here in our city on what not to do; the recent Delridge Way project for example.

Why don’t you go spend some time actually learning about Vision Zero before you announce it as a failure to serve your police state agenda. I am sure that is too much of an ask for a police shill; heck you might be a police officer yourself.

Pretty self-aggrandizing to use the name “CommonSense” when your comments have no sense what so ever.

NotOnHolden July 11, 2022 (5:28 pm)

The speeding on 35th, Fauntleroy, etc. is out if control. When I stop for pedestrians at street intersections in the last few weeks I’ve had people honk, gesture, and pull around quickly into the bus lane. Everyone seems super aggro and in a hurry, it’s been a vibe for a while and just seems to be increasing.I would suggest a massive banner hung over the roadways like for the end of a race that says “PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED TRYING TO CROSS THIS STREET”Make it big, bold, and unable be ignored. Heck, could we use the emergency broadcast network for a campaign to share the pedestrian crossing and speed info?

Mj July 11, 2022 (5:34 pm)

What is missing is, SDoT changed the speed limits without any technical justification, aka The Science. This is most pronounced on Principal Arterials. If SDoT had conducted the proper studies the prior Speed Limits on Principal Arterials would have been determined appropriate and should never have been changed.

bill July 11, 2022 (10:05 pm)

MJ: The science is that speed kills. Our culture is changing to recognize that people outside of cars have a valid claim to safety when using streets.
Kevin on Delridge July 12, 2022 (1:32 pm)

Sounds like you should study some more, but we knew that already.

Blbl July 11, 2022 (5:42 pm)

Duck SDOT.

anonyme July 11, 2022 (5:58 pm)

This should work just as well as the signs showing percentages of drivers who stopped for pedestrians. The longer the signs were up, the worse the stats became. We have a good portion of our population with the mentality of defiant teenagers, and none of them should be on the road. Cutesy signs will do absolutely NOTHING except waste more taxpayer dollars. A hefty ticket might just do the trick, and yet there isn’t a word about enforcement. When is SDOT going to wake the …. up?

Vanessa July 11, 2022 (6:03 pm)

English Teachers crying everywhere…

Flo B July 11, 2022 (7:18 pm)

Vanessa. Tell ’em to duck.

ltfd July 11, 2022 (7:25 pm)

“Gun Free Zone””Drug Free Zone””Slow the Flock Down”These signs are feel-good wastes of money.

HaHa July 11, 2022 (7:31 pm)

Gee, I always thought that was SDOT’s motto….

935 July 11, 2022 (7:32 pm)

I’d sure like to “fly south” until this “winter” of political malfeasance us over…..

Come on spring….🎲🎲

Doug_E_Doug July 11, 2022 (7:43 pm)

Is it just me or does anyone else find it a bit ridiculous and inappropriate to “play” off a swear word in a city public messaging campaign. I think there are other creative ways to reach drivers. Additionally SDOT shouldn’t bear all the responsibility at some point SPD needs to enforce limits otherwise is doesn’t matter what the posted speed is people will disregard.

1994 July 11, 2022 (10:10 pm)

I agree with you Doug_E_Doug. Makes me wonder how much Sdot is paying for marketing ideas.
anonyme July 13, 2022 (8:59 am)

Doug, I agree with you on all counts. The play on words is not only inappropriate but childish – something an elementary school kid would come up with. And your other point about this being an SPD problem, not SDOT, is spot on. Nonsensical signs are yet another distraction for bad drivers; the only real solution is enforcement. Take all the money spent on these ridiculous public campaigns and hire a few traffic cops – or install cameras.

Birds of a feather July 11, 2022 (8:39 pm)

What if there was memorial signage every place someone has been seriously injured or killed by a speeding or distracted driver? Maybe these reminders would help influence driver behavior?

On a lighter note, bet the ducks appreciate these signs,’about flocking time we get some signs’

WSRes July 11, 2022 (10:36 pm)

Signage vs having an actual police department. What a brilliant idea. And one that’s sure to work because law breakers always respect signs. Just like the signs declaring schools gun free zones.

Millie July 11, 2022 (10:57 pm)

From my perspective, several actions taken by the City of Seattle (Mayor’s Office, City Council and SDOT) have impacted and resulted in what we now see on the roads. These actions were: reducing the speed limit to 25, non-maintenance of roads/bridges, speed bumps, defunding law enforcement, and lastly, basically eliminating the ability to ticket speeders, red-light runners, cars w/o license plates, etc., etc. Rules/regulations can no longer be enforced – there is no concern for individual responsibility – it’s this sense of self-entitlement. By the way, it is not only car drivers speeding, running red lights, etc. Bus drivers, truckers, motorcyclists, and, even bikers have joined in.

Posting new signage, however, “cute” will not result in safer driving.

Scubafrog July 12, 2022 (12:29 am)

Signs do nothing. Consequences matter. Sadly no SDOT Speed cameras. SPD would go out en masse and pull people over to start the sunny weather – that had an impression. There’s no enforcement because of a diluted SPD. Some youths are driving crazy, having a hay day in broad daylight. The pandemic and this predatory inflation has really messed some people up. Some are acting out by driving crazily, shootings, thieving etc.

WSNeighbor July 12, 2022 (12:29 am)

If we would like to put a yard sign up how would we go about getting one? It would be really nice if SDOT could distribute yard signs to houses along Fauntleroy, 35th, Delridge, and Alki to help remind drivers that families live on and around these major roads and give homeowners the option to put up a yard sign.

WSB July 12, 2022 (12:55 am)

They often distribute signs through neighborhood groups and community centers but I would suggest calling SDOT at 206-684-ROAD to ask.

Marcus July 12, 2022 (4:42 am)

Was out last night before sunset driving. My oh my, the assertive drivers and down right aggressive. Scubafrog is correct, everyone is acting out and there is no traffic enforcement. Just another gift from the “defund police crowd”. The ducks are silly and only the people who will heed those signs are the responsible drivers who may catch themselves going a bit fast by mistake. Need to build the police back to be able to show a presence both night and day.

Heyalki July 12, 2022 (6:48 am)

but also as a pedestrian…keep an eye out for idiot drivers so you don’t die. Don’t assume people will stop for you because you have the right of way. Self preservation works best

Greg July 12, 2022 (7:11 am)

A car going any speed can hit someone if the driver is not paying attention to the road. I see plenty of very slow drivers using their phone etc etc. Maybe pay attention to the flocking road.

miws July 12, 2022 (7:20 am)

As in many comment sections, a mallardy of negativity. :-/ (BTW, they should’ve added a reminder for drivers to use their tern signal…) —Mike

Birds of a feather July 12, 2022 (7:12 pm)

Heron’ you there ;)

Chris K July 12, 2022 (7:35 am)

That’s a cute slogan, but the ad campaign is a waste of money. Put these resources into making geometrical changes to the city streets to slow people down.

Fred July 12, 2022 (7:57 am)

Those neighborhood signs do not work. The issue is inside the entitled and messed up heads of the drivers. Between the severe pandemic lock down side effects, the West Seattle Bridge being closed for almost three years, the lack of police and enforcement, lack of knowledge about local laws, and other factors, many drivers are acting crazy and have no sense of others and their potential to kill.

Mike G July 12, 2022 (8:40 am)

We live on 48th at the bottom where Erskine connects. Its almost automatic for people to hit that curve and then gun it. Of course safety is an issue, but when cars fly by at 40+ they sound like small jet fighters. The noise difference between 25 and 45 is incredible and very disturbing. For us its about respect for the community and keeping noise down. I do realize most reading this will ignore it. Still, its a neighborhood, not a racetrack.

Flyguy July 12, 2022 (9:48 am)

No cop, don’t stop.

Crystal July 12, 2022 (11:14 am)

I wouldn’t mind the 25 mph limit so much if I did not have to stop so many times per block (in-between crosswalks) for J-walkers. Then there are those people who do not check traffic before opening a car door and just standing in the lane of traffic. Driver’s education taught us to get out of cars on sidewalk side. But if you have to get out on traffic side do not get out when traffic is coming–especially when it is one of our racers

MM July 12, 2022 (12:16 pm)

What a joke! If signs worked and were the answer to solve problems, we would have signs all over the place saying; No Camping, no Littering, No Graffiti, No Stealing Packages, No Shoplifting, No stealing Catalytic Convertors, No Shooting at People. Seattle needs to get serious about real problem solving that works like Toyota 8 step problem solving model. Look it up City Leaders of all agencies!

anonyme July 12, 2022 (3:38 pm)

A bit off-topic, but has anyone else (mostly in Arbor Heights) noticed the AH who has been racing on 35th and adjacent side streets in the wee hours the past week or so? Muffler-free, 60-70 mph or more? Does anybody know who this jerk is, or where he lives? I’m fantasizing about Mike Ehrmantrout-style spike strips, retractable for a quick getaway once this perp has been neutralized.

Dav July 13, 2022 (11:47 pm)

Yes! Get those flocks off the streets!

wetone July 12, 2022 (5:42 pm)

Tell your wife, husband, partner or boss to flock off and see what happens……. Can’t wait to hear kids saying flock off all the time. Truly a another terrible SDOT decision. Our tax dollars at work….. who ever gave the ok to run with this should be shown the door…. SDOT at its finest ;)

Sorry, comment time is over.