Our cars are more than just four wheels and an awesome stereo.
We escape in them. We slog through a thousand commutes in them.
Sometimes we seem to own the empty road. Sometimes we’re the anchovy.
Those stories add up to a big chunk of our lives behind the wheel, hours of fear or laughter — or astonishment that we tacked on another 100,000 miles.
After years of covering the proper and improper rules of driving, car chases, highway construction and floating bridges, I’ve learned that everybody has a story tied to their cars.
Ever been pulled over for driving with your foot out the window? Me, too! Long before I had kids, though.
Ever picked up a hitchhiker? Me, neither, but there’s always a first.
What’s your story? This is a place to vent. Bring on your opinions, questions, complaints and raves.
We’re plugged in with the folks who build the roads, keep the rules and are paid to try to keep everybody moving. Let’s put them to the test.
Highway 9 turns restricted
Question: I travel Highway 9 between Marysville and Arlington almost daily. The left turn signals are set on red, no yellow arrows, nor yield turns allowed, turning on green arrows only. The left turn takes a whole cycle of the light to allow turning. When there isn’t a car coming why can’t we have turning left allowed? It is ridiculous to have to wait several minutes to turn left.
David Nelson, Marysville
Answer: To keep traffic moving and drivers safe, our engineers have chosen not to allow left turns along this stretch of Highway 9 without a signal. Speed was the deciding factor as the speed limit on this stretch of highway is set at 55 mph. Our engineers have found that collisions increase when left turns without a signal are permitted on highways with speed limits of 45 mph or higher. At these high speeds, it can be difficult for left-turning drivers to accurately judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic.
Mike Swires, WSDOT Snohomish area traffic engineer
Kudos from a commuter
Note: The state split lanes around a construction zone on I-5 through Everett earlier this month in order to replace a mangled girder.
“I drive from Marysville every day from 1-2 p.m. and I tell you what: That split lanes is a real piece of work. I love it. No more slow downs at all at that point in the road. It works great. Since it started it has been smooth sailing everyday.”
Marti Garrett, Marysville
Where are missing exits?
Question: While driving northbound on I-5 toward Everett, I’ve noticed that the exit to 164th Street SW is Exit 183 while the very next exit at 128th Street SW is Exit 186. Then the very next one to Broadway/Mukilteo etc. is Exit 189. Where are the missing exits?
Lee Woodard, Everett
Answer: The exit numbering system on I-5 corresponds to the milepost location on the freeway. Exit 183 corresponds with milepost 183. The next exit, exit 186, corresponds with milepost 186 and so on. In urban areas the exit numbers are usually spaced one mile apart and are numbered sequentially, one exit for every corresponding milepost. In rural and suburban areas, such as this section near Everett, exits are typically spaced three to eight miles apart, resulting in some exit numbers going unused.
John Firouzi, WSDOT special operations
Ask us about traffic
Have a question about traffic or street rules around Snohomish and Island counties? We can help find an answer. E-mail Street Smarts at stsmarts@heraldnet.com.
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