Traffic q&a

Traffic Q&A HEADLINES

Traffic Q&A: Why do cops ask if I know how fast I was driving?

Published February 13th, 2012 - 1:45AM

Question: When you get stopped for speeding or something on the highway, it seems like police always start by asking “Do you know how fast you were going?” or “Do you know why I stopped you?”

Why do they do this? And what’s the best way to answer? – Jeremy, Tacoma

Check tires for traction approval

Published February 6th, 2012 - 1:41PM

Question: What exactly is meant when signs say “Approved traction devices required”? Chains, obviously, but what else? – Peter, Tacoma

Traffic Q&A: Driving with pet on lap? Yes, it’s legal

Published January 30th, 2012 - 6:24AM

Question: Is there a law against driving with a pet in your lap? If cellphones are supposed to be so distracting, what about a dog slobbering all over you and bouncing up and down?

Traffic Q&A: Tacoma commuter rail bridge will improve, officials say

Published January 23rd, 2012 - 2:13AM

Question: I’m writing about the new commuter railroad bridge across Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma. I can’t believe they spent so much money on something so ugly.

Butterfly bushes not DOT’s handiwork

Published January 16th, 2012 - 2:13AM

Question: “How could the state Highway Department have been so ignorant as to plant butterfly bushes along their new bridge from I-5 to Highway 16?

Traffic Q&A: Turning wheels to curb required

Published January 9th, 2012 - 3:26AM

Question: “I live on a moderately sloped hill and am wondering if I could get cited for not turning the wheels of my car to the curb in front of my house. How steep does the slope of a hill have to be before you’re required to turn your wheels?” – John, Tacoma

Flashing high beams at others against law

Published December 26th, 2011 - 6:44AM

Question: The way I learned to drive was, if you’re in the left lane of the freeway and somebody behind you flashes his high beams, you’re supposed to move over and let him by.

Traffic Q&A: Nalley Valley Viaduct demolition will hit high gear soon

Published December 19th, 2011 - 9:41AM

Question: When are they going to start tearing down the old Nalley Valley Viaduct? I keep looking for signs of demolition as I’m driving along Highway 16 but haven’t seen anything.

Traffic Q&A: Driving with dome light on not illegal

Published December 12th, 2011 - 12:05AM

Question: My 7-year-old was trying to read in the car tonight and wanted to turn on the dome light so he could see the words. My 5-year-old said, “No, you can’t do that. It’s illegal for Dad to drive when you have the dome light on.” I have always told that to my kids and believed it growing up, but is it true?

TRAFFIC Q&A: Do I have to slow down when school is out?

Published December 4th, 2011 - 6:26PM

Do I have to obey the speed limit even when obviously there is no school in session, such as during weekends?

Traffic Q&A: Yes, it's tougher to determine whether driver is high

Published November 27th, 2011 - 4:44PM

Question: This is not exactly about traffic, but I've been wondering: Is there any way for police to measure how much marijuana someone has smoked and if their driving is impaired?

Despite what Driver Guide says, it's OK to enter intersection, wait to turn

Published November 20th, 2011 - 7:23PM

Question: Regarding last week’s traffic column saying it’s perfectly legal to enter an intersection, stop and wait to make a left turn:

Traffic Q&A: Perfectly OK to pull into intersection before left turn

Published November 14th, 2011 - 10:03AM

Question: I took drivers’ education in the 1960s, and we were taught that when making a left turn at an intersection with a light, you’re supposed to pull out into the intersection, hold your position and, when it’s clear, make the turn.

Traffic Q&A: Critters harder to see in the dark

Published November 7th, 2011 - 6:43AM

Question: “It seems like I’ve been seeing a lot more animals dead on the road lately. Does anybody keep track of how many animals are killed by cars or know why the numbers seem to go up and down?” – Anonymous reader, Tacoma

Traffic Q&A: Pacific Avenue project draws a big tut-tut

Published October 31st, 2011 - 7:05AM

Question: Any idea when the mess at Pacific Avenue and South Tacoma Way will be completed? I think the pyramids were completed in less time. – Rick Bethard, Tacoma

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