In Seattle, it is not uncommon to see bicyclists travellng on both the street and the sidewalk. This can raise a big question for drivers and pedestrians: Where do bikes actually belong? The answer may vary in certain conditions, but generally, bicyclists can use both pathways to travel.
Is a bicyclist a driver or a pedestrian?
Impact of marijuana-induced driving
People are well aware of the dangers of driving after consuming alcohol. However, driving while under the influence of marijuana is just as dangerous. Research has found that marijuana substantially impairs reaction time, motor skills and judgment. Washington police may not be able to detect the presence of marijuana in someone's system, but cops have other methods of determining whether to place you under arrest.
Allergy season and the risk of a motorcycle crash
Riding a motorcycle can present many dangers during any time of the year, whether a motorcyclist encounters ice on the road during the colder months or congested traffic during a summer festival or popular event. However, many motorcyclists struggle with seasonal allergies during the spring, and these symptoms can make an accident more probable for a variety of reasons. If you struggle with allergies, it may be necessary to avoid riding your motorcycle until your symptoms improve.
Pedestrian risks and safety tips
As spring returns to the Pacific Northwest, many people in Washington State are eager to spend more time outside. This can often translate into more people enjoying the chance to walk places instead of driving or taking a bus, for example. While walking can be a great form of exercise and is an environmentally friendly form of transportation, it does come with its own unique set of risks. Sharing the road with cars, trucks and other vehicles puts people on foot in vulnerable positions a great percentage of the time.
What are ways to protect your child from bicycle accidents?
Like many Washington residents, you may remember the fun and freedom of riding a bike as a child and want your kids to have the same enjoyable experience. However, you may also worry about the risk of accidents and injuries. There are many ways that you may reduce the risk of an accident by helping your child learn to ride safely.
Accident risks at night
During the nighttime, driving can be particularly dangerous for countless reasons. Unfortunately, many accidents occur during these hours, and the consequences can be devastating. Driving at night may increase the probability of being involved in a drunk driving crash or being struck by a driver who has been taking illegal drugs. Moreover, accidents are especially likely to happen due to less visibility and the prevalence of fatigue. It is vital to be vigilant at night because even if you are very responsible while on the road, other drivers may be reckless and place your life in danger.
Where does most distracted driving in Washington occur?
Distracted driving is one of the greatest dangers on Washington's roadways. People of all ages use their smartphones while behind the wheel, and this greatly increases their chances of getting in a car accident. Every day in the United States, over 1,000 people suffer from injuries as a result of distracted driving while an average of nine people lose their lives.
How to keep teens safe on the road
Teen texting and driving as big a problem in Washington as any other state. Texting and driving especially terrifies parents, because even otherwise well-behaved teens may succumb to the temptation.
