Many Seattle intersections are "uncontrolled"
Specifically, he mentioned the area west of Queen Anne Avenue North between West Highland Drive and West McGraw Street. "I've seen people drive through these intersections too often without even slowing down, almost as though they don't even realize that there is a cross street. This results in a very dangerous traffic situation with too many close calls every day." Why can't something be done?
"It seems to me stop signs would be inexpensive and would do the job," Solomon said.
A: It's true that many of Seattle's residential, nonarterial intersections are "uncontrolled" intersections — meaning with no stop signs, yield signs or traffic signals, says Brian Kemper, acting director of traffic management for the Seattle Department of Transportation.
Kemper says when two vehicles approach or enter an uncontrolled intersection from different streets at about the same time, the driver on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right, and drivers of an approaching vehicle must yield to those already in the intersection.
If residents have specific concerns about speeding and cut-through traffic on their street, the transportation department might be able to provide signs and pavement markings or install traffic circles, Kemper said.
The department has a Neighborhood Traffic Control Program, and information is available from John Marek at 206-684-5069.
Q: A couple years ago, Mike Robinson of Seattle was stopped by police in SeaTac, who determined he was driving with a suspended license because of an unpaid traffic ticket. His car was towed. He took care of the delinquent ticket, as well as a ticket for driving with a suspended license, and got his licensed reinstated.
Now Robinson asks: "Since the courts have ruled that suspending my license was unconstitutional, do I have any recourse in getting any of my money back? The tow cost was over $250."
A: A state Supreme Court ruling two months ago made it illegal for the Department of Licensing to suspend licenses for unpaid tickets for minor traffic violations or missed court hearings, without an opportunity for an administrative hearing. The department has since stopped suspending licenses for these so-called third-class violations.
Department spokesman Brad Benfield said while news of the Supreme Court's decision has spread quickly, the decision is not actually final yet, as the court has been asked to reconsider its ruling. When or if the court will do so has not been determined.
Meanwhile, it's unclear whether anyone will be entitled to a refund, or even which agency would be responsible for handling it.
Q: Lesley Hofley of Blaine in Whatcom County wants to know if recreational vehicles and motor homes are allowed to use freeway car-pool lanes. And Chuck Jones of Kent wants to know if the carpool lane restrictions, particularly on roads that are open to all traffic between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m., apply on weekends and holidays.
A: State Department of Transportation spokesman Stan Suchan says its OK for RVs and motor homes to use car-pool lanes as long as they're carrying the required number of occupants, which is usually two or more. But Suchan adds that slower-moving vehicles holding up traffic in a car-pool lane should consider moving over. "It's just polite to go to the slow lane and allow car pools and buses to go by," he said.
And as for the carpool lane restrictions, says Suchan, the answer is yes, they apply seven days a week.
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