Pedestrian Crashes
When is a pedestrian jaywalking?
Does walking at a marked crosswalk require precision from the pedestrian? Seattle’s answer might surprise you… Below is a snippet of the City of Seattle’s Motion for Summary Judgment, arguing that its design of the protected bike lane, transit island, and pedestrian crosswalk (only a few yards north of the main crosswalk) had nothing to…
Read MoreCan you drive? About 20% in WA can’t…
In the past year, I experienced losing vision in both of my eyes temporarily for months for acute retinal detachments. I continue to experience issues due to my low vision. Walking or running are still some of my favorite activities, but I’ve injured myself a number of times (broken wrist, broken arm, orbital socket, etc.) due to crummy…
Read MoreKOMO News: hazardous Seattle roads leads to serious bicyclist injuries
Even the most seasoned bicyclists have sustained major injuries from crashes on badly designed roads in Seattle. KOMO News anchor Molly Shen delves into the issue that gave rise to Fleming Law clients’ lawsuit against the City of Seattle. Check back often for updates about this case and other cases of unsafe road planning/design/construction/maintenance.
Read MoreConfidential pedestrian v. driver – $490,000
Seattle software developer was walking to his job, when a driver hit him with their car near the Fremont Bridge. He lost weeks of work and time to enjoy with his family for the entire summer and fall of 2019. After the injured pedestrian was taken to the hospital, his family contacted Catherine Fleming to…
Read MoreSDOT wants to engage!
Love SDOT’s Find It Fix It app? I do! Now, SDOT has rolled out its Engagement Hub. This is your time to make your voice heard. My favorite is the interactive map that allows multiple folks to comment on known and hazardous road conditions. Try it! Document issues about problem spots with SDOT.
Read MoreWho needs AOC? WA senator for safer roads and rails
Did you hear about the $13.8 million for Western WA to improve rail infrastructure and to prevent landslides? How about her discussion yesterday at the Spokane National Weather Service about improving fire forecasting tools? In her mild mannered way, she’s successfully pushed for safer roads, rail and communities. Sure, AOC has a flashier way that grabs people’s attention. Maybe…
Read MorePart 1: Seattle street cars and bicyclists
If you ride your bike anywhere in Seattle, you know about road hazards. Potholes, major elevation changes, and streetcar tracks are all bad news. These road hazards cause bicyclists to fall before they can do anything to stop it. Aside from a stream of buses that often share bike paths, Seattle bicyclists must contend with drivers…
Read MoreSeattle’s latest transportation plan, “STP3”
For years, the folks who aren’t crazy about bike commuters have complained about Seattle spending too much money, space and resources to its Bicycle Master Plan (BMP). The BMP has served as the main reference for SDOT to plan and design bike projects in the City. The goals were great and lofty. Let’s reduce greenhouse…
Read MoreDear SDOT: Please walk the walk! Don’t just talk about your commitment to safety!
Only a year ago, SDOT’s head transportation engineer, Dongho Chang, cited City’s designs as harmful to people. While still at SDOT, Chang provided his perspective about the spike in pedestrian injuries on our roads. The explanation wasn’t just about the increase in population and heavier vehicles. He understood that Seattle’s road design issues were leading…
Read MoreDangerous crosswalk for pedestrians: Roosevelt protected bike lane
Seattle recently reported its new and improved proactive approach to pedestrian safety (to use FHWA’s language. Below are excerpts of a 2020 City of Seattle Dept. of Transportation (SDOT) report: …the number of overall traffic-related fatalities continues to trend downward. However, pedestrian and cyclist crashes have remained relatively steady. To meetthe growing demand while improving safety, the City…
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