Around and around we go
Just the mention of a roundabout raises the hackles of many drivers, but it’s time to get used to the idea.
The Washington State Department of Transportation will be building a roundabout next year at the intersection of Bruce Road and Mt. Spokane Park Drive to improve safety and traffic flow.
Seems some people traveling on Bruce Road are stopping and then immediately crossing Mt. Spokane Park Drive (also known as State Route 206) under the incorrect assumption that drivers on the highway have a stop sign, too.
This despite the fact that there are prominent signs on Bruce Road informing drivers that cross traffic does not stop.
According to Washington State Department of Transportation Spokesman Al Gilson, there were 29 collisions at the intersection from 199-2003, 19 of which resulted in injuries.
The roundabout will likely cost between $500,000 and $1 million and should be complete by early fall.
Don’t worry about getting trapped inside like Chevy Chase in the movie “European Vacation.” The rules are simple.
Always yield to traffic already in the roundabout and be sure to travel according to the one-way signs which will be posted.
To go straight, drivers would travel halfway around the roundabout. To turn left, drivers would drive to the right, and circle around three-quarters of the roundabout before heading out in the desired direction.
An island in the center will prevent people from cutting across.
“I have confidence that after a short learning curve on how they work, we’ll see improved traffic flow at the intersection and improved safety,” says Gilson
Have phone, will travel
You thought listening to the person sitting next to you on the plane yakking away was annoying? Just wait.
You may soon get to listen to their cell phone conversations.
The Federal Communications Commission is looking at relaxing its ban on cell phone use while planes are in flight.
Right now, you’re supposed to turn off your phone while the plane is in the air to prevent any interference with ground cellular systems or onboard navigation equipment.
The Federal Aviation Administration would also have to sign off on in-flight cell phone use before dialing in the sky would be allowed.
To plug or not to plug?
If you want to avoid a Christmas season ticket, make sure to pay for on-street parking on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
The meters won’t be patrolled on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Fair warning
The Spokane Police Department’s traffic unit won’t be taking the holidays off.
They’ll be out conducting their emphasis patrol this week as usual.
Commercial vehicle drivers are the ones who need to be on the lookout this week since the Spokane Police will be watching them for any operating violations.
Designated party attire
The Spokane County Traffic Safety Commission is encouraging people to party safely over the holidays and appoint designated drivers.
You can even get stickers for those drivers to wear at the party by calling 477-2342.