Washington State has a new anti-distraction law, effective NOW. Be sure you understand the law so you can avoid a citation. The Seattle Times and Komo News provide useful, detailed accounts of what is banned and what is legal. Here are some of the bullets: Driving under the Influence of Electronics (DUI-E) is a primary offense. A police officer …
Like most major cities, Seattle has certain areas that see the most traffic tickets. Seattle PI does us all a favor by highlighting these police “beats” where the most traffic stops appear to occur. Statistics in this article are pulled from Seattle Police Department reports and include traffic violations only. Some of the areas where SPD …
Lawmakers in Washington state are aiming to increase safety on the streets and decrease traffic fatalities in 2017. The Seattle Times presented an article this week describing a bill in the works, tentatively named the “Driving Under the Influence of Electronics Act”. The bill seeks to expand upon existing law and prohibit almost all use of …
It is a short work week for many. People are anxious to get to their Thanksgiving destinations to enjoy turkey and pumpkin pie with their loved ones. For a large number of festivity goers, this involves travel. Travel is up overall this year, with one million more Americans expected to travel this Thanksgiving than last …
As Labor Day weekend symbolically brings summer to an end, there will be many people on the road heading out for one last summer getaway. The long weekend means heavy traffic statewide. King 5 News reports an increase in traffic deaths nationwide in 2016. Washington state is no exception, with traffic fatalities up 8% in the …
The Seattle Times printed an article this week reporting that traffic deaths are up in cities where they have turned off red-light cameras. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety examined cities that have ended their red-light camera programs over the past 5 years, compared with cities that have continued their programs. Research showed that crashes …
It’s time for everyone’s favorite summer holiday, a weekend filled with BBQs, fireworks, and red, white, and blue! 4th of July celebrations bring festive energy and a celebratory spirit, as well as an abundance of drivers on the road. The City of Seattle is working with Uber to encourage drivers to plan for safe rides home as they …
Memorial Day weekend symbolically kicks off summer festivities and many people are looking to kick off their summer festivities with a road trip. AAA projects that more than 38 million Americans are expected to travel this weekend, making it the second highest travel volume on a Memorial Day weekend, and the most in over a decade. AAA estimates a …
I-90 drivers will need to continue to watch their speeds, after the rejection of a proposal to increase the speed limit from 70 to 75 mph. The Seattle Times reports that the state decided last week they will not raise the speed limit along rural sections of I-90 in Eastern Washington, as was proposed. The Washington …
Texting while driving remains a commonplace and dangerous practice. The New York Times suggests it is actually getting worse with drivers not only texting, but taking selfies and using other apps and social media sites while on the road. The article estimates road fatalities were up 8% from 2014-2015 due to the increase in distracted driving. Concern …
April is recognized by the National Safety Council as Distracted Driving Awareness Month to draw attention to the widespread problem of distracted driving. Distracted driving refers to activity that disrupts a driver’s focus. Cell phone activity distracts a driver’s attention and thus endangers the driver, their passengers, other drivers and passengers on the road, and pedestrian bystanders. Thousands …
Our post last month indicated that lower gas prices are leading more and more Americans to choose road travel for their holiday plans. Whether you are out doing last minute Christmas shopping or embarking on a holiday road trip, you need to be prepared. Hazardous road conditions, heavy traffic, and anxious drivers out in droves are inevitable. …
