T
he Seattle Times ran a great story today, citing Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) data that in the first half of 2019 there were almost 100 serious-injury or fatal collisions on Seattle streets, with the majority involving pedestrians and bicycles. Major arterial roadways pose the most risk, probably due to higher traffic volumes and often wider intersections. Read the full story here: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sdot-data-show-nearly-100-serious-injury-or-fatal-collisions-on-seattle-streets-in-first-half-of-2019/
While the city is working to make our roads safer, here are some general tips for vehicle drivers to help reduce collisions:
- Decrease your speed and follow posted speed limits
- Watch your distance and keep space between you and any vehicles ahead to allow you time to react to any situation
- Avoid distractions like your phone, eating in your vehicle, or playing with your radio – remember that it is illegal to use your phone while driving, or even while stopped at a light
- Don’t drink alcohol or use marijuana or other drugs and drive
- Pay particular attention at intersections, where you will likely see more pedestrians and bicyclists using the roadway
- Give bicyclists three feet of clearance
- Pay special attention with left hand turns to make sure you yield to pedestrians and bicyclists
- Don’t get angry with bicyclists and pedestrians, and remember they have rights just like you to use the road