Four out of five Washington drivers say that driving with a cell phone should be illegal unless a hands-free device is used, according to a new survey by Seattle-based Pemco Insurance.
For the fifth year in a row, a bill that would have required the use of a hands-free phone failed in the recently completed legislative session.
Ironically, the vast majority of those surveyed said they use a cell phone while driving.
Six percent said they use one often, 13 percent sometimes and 33 percent rarely. Thirty-two percent say they never drive and talk and 16 percent said they don’t have a cell phone.
Pemco recommends that drivers don’t talk and drive, but recognizes that drivers will do both to save time.
“A lot has been said about cell phones simply being an inevitable result of our faster-paced world,” said company spokesman Jon Osterberg. “Pemco advises people to trust their gut. If you’re driving while on the phone and feel yourself getting distracted, hang up or pull over. Don’t take the risk.”
Would a stop sign help?
Question: Could you tell us why there isn’t a stop sign at the west end of 99th Street SW at the intersection of 12th Avenue W. in Everett.
Drivers are driving across the intersection into the Walden Pond apartments without stopping or yielding to traffic on 12th Avenue W.
Also the north side of this 99th Street SW has no parking, something the homeowners feel is OK to ignore.
Something needs to be done on both of these items before someone gets hurt badly on this narrow street.
Everett Irwin, Everett
Answer: The city of Everett is working with residents near 99th Street SW to consider alternatives to address excessive speeds.
Drivers are cutting through the single-family development to get to the Walden Pond apartments on 12th Avenue W. There is no through traffic on 12th that warrants a stop sign on 99th since 12th is a short cul-de-sac.
Ryan Sass, Everett traffic engineer
Is red-arrow turn legal?
| Have a question about traffic or street rules around Snohomish and Island counties? We can help find an answer. E-mail The Herald at stsmarts @heraldnet. com. |
Question: Would you please explain the meaning of a red arrow. Is it OK to make a right hand turn at a red arrow or must you wait?
Is there a public campaign to make drivers aware of these rules?
Debra Laik, Marysville
Answer: At all signalized intersections in Washington state, drivers must come to a complete stop at a steady red light or red arrow.
Right-turning drivers may then advance forward for a better view of the intersection and proceed when there is a safe gap in cross traffic and there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Pedestrians have the right of way when the light is red. Right-turning privileges are withdrawn when there are signs that say, “No Right on Red,” or “No Turn on Red.”
Myly Posse, state Department of Transportation spokeswoman
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