In increasing numbers, Americans are opting to forgo crowded airports and long lines and travel by car for their Thanksgiving plans. AAA Travel projects that 42 million Americans are expected to take a holiday road trip this Thanksgiving, with gas prices lower than they’ve been since 2008. Driving can be convenient and less costly than air travel, …
It was a sweet victory against the San Francisco 49ers, but the last couple weeks have been rough on the road for the Seattle Seahawks with two separate players making traffic headlines. Running back Fred Jackson crashed into a street sign, driving too fast near the team facility on Tuesday. There were initial news releases that …
Drivers in King County should be aware that increased targeted traffic patrols are coming soon. The Seattle Times reports that Metropolitan King County Council approved funding for increased traffic enforcement last week. $100K in supplemental funding was approved to go toward King County deputy salaries, geared at emphasizing traffic patrols in certain areas throughout the county. This will allow …
In Washington State, reckless driving is a gross misdemeanor criminal traffic offense. Reckless driving charges can pose substantial consequences, and it is important to understand the law. Under Washington State law (RCW 46.61.500): Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless …
The West Seattle Herald published an informative article last week, with essential information for all Seattle drivers. The article describes pertinent information about traffic infractions, for which fines have gone up as of July 1, 2015: Camera tickets are on the rise with more and more cameras being installed around the greater Seattle area. This includes Red Light Traffic Cameras and …
Many people assume that pulling off the road to rest when you have been drinking is not only a safe alternative to driving under the influence but also the takes away the chance of being charged with a DUI. This is not an accurate assumption. From a safety perspective, the wisest move is to refrain …
The rear-view mirror fills up with red lights… Your heart starts beating fast as you begin to anticipate comes next… DON’T PANIC! Take a deep breath and use these steps for what to do if you are being pulled over for a traffic violation in Washington State: Pull over safely: As soon as you see a police …
Vehicular Assault: Vehicular Assault, including hit and run, is a serious crime and comes with potentially severe penalties. Under Washington State Law, Vehicular Assault in Washington State is classified as a class B felony and can result in a $20,000 fine and a prison sentence up to ten years. Under RCW 46.61.522, a person is guilty …
Negligent Driving in the First Degree (Negligent Driving 1 aka “Neg 1”): In Washington State, Negligent Driving 1 is a criminal traffic offense. This offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000.00 fine. “A person is guilty of negligent driving in the first degree if he or she operates …
Washington State police are on the lookout for distracted drivers who are violating texting and cell phone laws. “Distracted drivers” are drivers who are paying attention to something else while driving such as talking on a cell phone, texting, or changing the radio station. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, distracted driver-involved crashes accounted for …
This Seattle Times article begins to detail the city’s traffic safety plan for 2015. Seattle drivers should prepare for slower speeds, more school-zone cameras, fewer right turns on red and targeted enforcement. Many of the busy 35 mph corridors will be reduced to 30 mph or lower, and speeds will be reduced from 30 to …
This recent federal study was conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in Virginia Beach, VA. Not surprisingly, the research indicated that drivers who had been drinking alcohol and who had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 were four times as likely to crash as sober drivers. Drivers with a .16 BAC …
