PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
As one of the fastest growing states in the nation, Washington has experienced a huge increase in traffic volume during the 1990's. The number and severity of motor vehicle crashes has also increased significantly. Recognizing the need to heighten public awareness of traffic safety issues and establish areas for improvement, in 1993 the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission identified four dangerous traffic corridors within the state that routinely experienced a high number of fatal and injury crashes.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Corridor Safety Project was developed in 1993 to increase traffic safety on certain sections of state highways that had demonstrated a significant crash problem. These roadways included State Road (SR) 7 in Pierce County, SR 14 in the city of Camas, SR 97 in Union Gap and SR 539 in Bellingham. Specific program objectives included:

• Generating strong local participation
• Decreasing the number of traffic crashes in the targeted corridors

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission examined each of the four chosen corridors individually to determine which specific problems were present that may have contributed to the high incidence of traffic crashes. Statistical data on types and causes of crashes, proximity of crashes, alcohol-related crashes, daily traffic volume and peak crash times was reviewed and analyzed.

For each targeted corridor, the Commission recruited a local steering committee consisting of representatives from all participating local and state traffic safety organizations and agencies. Steering committee members drafted an Action Plan to address specific traffic safety problems. The plan was then presented for comment to the community through public forums and press conferences.

Once approved, the plan was put into operation using resources at the disposal of individual committee members and their agencies The steering committees made a concerted effort to build an Action Plan that was as comprehensive as possible, targeting the individual traffic safety issues identified through the committee's analysis. Examples of existing Action Plans include the following:

• Truck mounted and grocery bag safety messages
• Information brochures and enforcement bulletins
• Road signs regarding the corridor and turn lane improvements
• Traffic signal upgrades and optimized signal timing
• Reflective materials for pedestrians
• Alcohol server training
• School seat belt surveys
• Safety message premiums distributed at school events
• Public awareness surveys
• Traffic law enforcement emphasis
• Bus stop evaluations for pedestrian safety
• Corridor-specific placemats and posters in restaurants and businesses
• "Don't Drink and Drive" messages