Readers recognize driving challenges

I thank all of you thinking drivers out there — the ones who recognize and conquer the challenges we face everyday on the roadways.

The Uninsured

Reader R.C., of Spokane thinks that it’s tough to be out driving among all the uninsured motorists in Washington and Idaho. I can see why that makes you nervous, R.C., and the only way to meet that challenge is to be well-insured yourself.

Unfortunately, industry estimates contend that between one-third and one-half of all drivers are uninsured or underinsured. That costs all of us who pay for insurance, as there is a direct link between uninsured drivers and the price of auto insurance. It is a vicious cycle — as the premiums go up, the number of uninsured drivers rises — as uninsured drivers have accidents, insurance premiums rise.

If you can’t afford insurance, you should walk, bicycle, or take public transportation. And if you have insurance, remember to keep an up-to-date proof-of-insurance with your vehicle registration — insurance is high enough — you don’t need a $101.00 ticket on top of that cost.

Crosswalk Conflict

There have been many emphasis patrols undertaken by police over the last couple of years concerning driver/pedestrian encounters. The goal of these patrols is to improve the safety of those crossing the road on foot. It has definitely made the populace more aware of these crossings, but according to L.G., of Cheney, may have over-empowered certain pedestrians.

She writes, “With so much emphasis these days on stopping for pedestrians, I find that many people crossing the street have a ‘sense of entitlement’ and cross right in front of a car in the middle of the block, etc. I am usually looking for walkers in crosswalks and at intersecting streets, but I have often been surprised at this behavior. I haven’t hit anyone yet, but I think this is a very dangerous attitude. If I’m not mistaken, I think pedestrians only have the right of way in crosswalks — not anyplace they happen to be.”

L.G. further wonders if this only happens in Cheney. No, L.G., it happens elsewhere, as I’ve noticed plenty of what you describe in Spokane, and many drivers stab the brakes mid-block to accommodate these jaywalkers.

Let’s clarify this situation by looking at the Revised Code of Washington.

RCW sections 46.61.230 through 46.61.269 cover “Pedestrians Rights and Duties.” Specifically, within section 46.61.240, “Crossing At Other Than Crosswalks,” it is stated, “(1) Every pedestrian crossing at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield right of way to all vehicles upon the roadway.” That tells me that you shouldn’t have to panic stop if someone is getting ready to jaywalk. The same RCW goes on to say, “(4) Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.”

And there’s one more that I like: RCW 46.61.235, which states, “(2) No pedestrian or bicycle shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety, and walk, run, or otherwise move into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to stop.”

So both drivers and pedestrians must mind their manners, but since drivers are “carrying the bigger stick,” there is a catchall RCW, which puts the onus for safety mainly on the driver of the motor vehicle. 46.61.245, “Drivers To Exercise Care,” reads, “Notwithstanding the forgoing provisions of this chapter every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary and shall exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any obviously confused or incapacitated person upon a roadway.”

Spokane reader J.J. speaks out for another pedestrian right: a clear crosswalk. Many drivers, J.J. contends, stop past the stop line and within the crosswalk. He feels that this especially takes place when drivers are preparing to make a “free” right, and are inching ahead while checking traffic to their left, oblivious of those in crosswalk to their right.

Please be aware of this driver error, make stops in the proper spot, and don’t hit people.

Intersections May Be Hazardous to Your Health

Jody Lawrence-Turner reported the worst intersections of our region in The Spokesman-Review on St. Patrick’s Day. My conclusion: we should each wear a crash helmet when driving in the Valley (9 of the top 10 intersection accident sites are there), and while in the city, avoid Division & Wellesley. For sure, we should all be certain our paths are clear before entering intersections.

Is St. Patrick’s Day the New New Year’s Eve?

Just wondering, but did anyone else hear that police responded to 50 accidents on that day, when the norm is 15? Not sure what happened there, but it’s not a good trend.

Please keep up your reports to me — I love them!