Distracted Driving

The National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation has done a survey that shows staggering statistics for distracted driving. This survey showed that 80% of all traffic incidents and 65% of all near collisions involve some sort of distraction.

"A driver increases the risk of a crash by 2,300% if he/she is texting while driving." said Congresswoman Betsy Markey.

To view Rep. Markey's address to congress click here

What could you do to reduce your own distracted driving? What things are you currently doing that could be considered a distraction to your driving?

tmcnet.com-----youtube.com

Cell Phone Law signed by Gov. Gregoire

Governor Gregoire has signed a law making it a primary offense to talk on a cell phone, read or send text messages while driving......This law takes effect on June 10th.

Drivers with learner permits or intermediate licenses will be prohibited from using any cell phone. Exceptions will be made in the case of an emergency.

Let us know what you think about this law. Do you think it will improve the driving conditions? Or do you think that driving while talking on a phone or texting will still go under the radar?

Driver in Auburn Dies

A driver travelling Southbound on HWY 167 was unable to stop in time before they ran into a parked Semi-truck that was on the shoulder near Auburn. The driver of the car died at the scene while the truck driver was unharmed.

AP-2010 photo--WaDOT

Van Crashes in downtown Seattle

A van travelling out of control smashed into not one, not two, not even three, four or five cars.....but six. The cause of the collisions are believed to be the failing of the brakes on the mini-van.

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*Pictures from KIRO Radio/Tim Haeck

*The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations research shows that between 2002 and 2006, nearly 4 fatalities out of 10 involved alcohol-impaired crashes in the last two weeks of December.

“Drunk driving is one of the most serious, and preventable, dangers we face on our roadways. Sadly, the death toll from drunk-driving crashes is higher between Christmas and New Year’s than any other time.” said NHTSA acting administrator David Kelly
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So from all of us at Sears Driving School, drive safely and have a

WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!

* www.nhtsa.dot.gov

Seattle Bus Crash 12/19/2008

When drivers and ice mix

A pair of charter buses hit at the base of an icy hill and smashed into and partially through a guard rail over Interstate 5 Friday, Dec. 19 2008, in Seattle.

The buses crashed Friday on a Seattle street, pushing one through a guardrail next to Interstate 5 and leaving its front wheels dangling 20 feet above the freeway.

Seattle Fire Department spokeswoman Helen Fitzpatrick said 11 young adults were taken to Harborview Medical Center with minor injuries.

AP Photos courtesy of Elaine Thompson, Sarah Dunning, KIRO Radio and mynorthwest.com