Traffic can be a problem in every city and often times varies from day to day depending upon collisions, construction, events, or amount of travelers.  The traffic division tracks the location and specifics of every traffic accident to help dictate where enforcement and resources are needed.  We also utilize feedback from our citizens if they see reoccurring problems.  If you have serious concerns, please submit an online Traffic Concern Form.  Please do not use this form to report a collision, hit-and-run incident, or crime.

Winter Driving Tips
It is important to recognize dangerous behaviors and follow simple driving tips to keep everyone on the road safer.  Motorists are reminded that driving safely in icy or snowy conditions requires special care.  Losing control of your automobile on wet pavement is a frightening experience.  A defensive driver adjusts his or her speed to road conditions.

You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves.  Steer and brake with a light touch.  When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels; maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.  If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the automobile to go.  For vehicles without anti-lock brakes, avoid using brakes and steer into the skid.  This will bring the back end of your car in line with the front.

Before leaving for your destination:

• Call the Mountain Pass Report at 206 DOT-HIWY or 1-800-695-ROAD.  Or, view mountain pass information online.
• Carry chains at all times when traveling over mountain passes.
• Have an up-to-date map in your car.  Free Washington State maps are available from WSDOT headquarters in Olympia and from all regional offices.  Call 206-440-4697 to find out how to receive one.
• Have adequate winter clothing for possible emergency use.
• Clear your windows, outside mirrors, and lights of ice and snow.
• Replace worn wiper blades and be sure your washer fluid reservoir is filled with cleaning fluid (not just water).
• Make sure your car battery has a full charge.  Battery power goes down in cold weather.
• Be sure you have a full tank of gas.
• Have a cell phone with you.

While you are traveling:

• Wear your seat belt at all times.
• Keep your radio on for motorist advisory info.
• Watch for traction device advisory signs in mountain pass areas.
• Don't change driving speed or direction suddenly.  Traction is maintained better with slow, gradual moves.
• Don't get into a situation where you are in a hurry.  Allow plenty of extra time when driving on snow or ice.
• Use the low beams on your headlights when driving in snow or fog for better visibility.

In case of a road emergency:

• If you are stalled or stranded on a highway or freeway in a snowstorm, try to get your vehicle as far off the traveled lanes of the road as possible.  Turn your emergency flashers on.
• Use a cell phone or CB radio to call for assistance. Be aware of your location while traveling so you can accurately relay your position. Citizen band radio operators should use their CBs to summon assistance.  CB channel 9 is monitored by the Washington State Patrol and CB organizations on a 24-hour basis to provide emergency assistance.
• Raise the hood of your car and attach a light colored piece of cloth to the radio antenna to signal for assistance.
• Stay in your vehicle and wait until help arrives.  If you must run the motor for heat, keep a window open slightly and be sure the exhaust pipe does not become blocked with snow.

Other general tips:

• Be sure your tires have adequate tread to provide traction on slippery surfaces.
• If you drive a front wheel drive vehicle, be familiar with the different handling characteristics in slippery conditions.
• Don't drive on icy or snowy days if possible.  Take public transportation if you can, or arrange to ride in a carpool or vanpool.
• Use the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes when available, and observe restrictions on HOV lanes even if the pavement markings are obscured by snow.
• If road conditions worsen while you are at work, don't leave early.  Give maintenance crews time to clear the roads of snow.
• Don't follow too closely behind sand trucks and snow removal equipment.  They may stop suddenly, or you could be showered with sand. Don't pass equipment unless you can do so easily and quickly.  Equipment operators will try to pull over and let traffic by every few minutes.

Road Rage and Aggressive Driving

Road rage is "an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of a motor vehicle, or the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or vehicles precipitated by an incident, which occurred on a roadway."

Aggressive driving is "the commission of two or more moving violations that is likely to endanger other persons or property, or any single intentional violation that requires a defensive reaction of another driver."  Aggressive drivers generally give the impression that they are in a hurry and others are in the way.

Signs of road rage or aggressive driving:

• Mentally condemning or thought of violence toward other drivers.
• Verbally expressing condemnation of other drivers to the passengers in their vehicle.
• Not obeying traffic safety rules because the rules don't apply to them.
• Aggressive drivers engage in these types of activities:
  - Following too closely
  - Speeding
  - Weaving in and out of traffic
  - Speeding up to beat a traffic light
  - Cutting between vehicles to change lanes
  - Using the horn excessively
  - Excessively flashing headlights at oncoming traffic
  - Braking to get others to back off their bumper
  - Passing traffic and then slowing to "teach others a lesson"

Avoiding Road Rage:

• When entering traffic or changing lanes, make sure you have enough room.
• Don't make aggressive hand gestures to other drivers when they offend you with their driving.
• Signal when turning or changing lanes.  Control your anger; remember it takes two to start a fight.
• Avoid prolonged eye contact with bad or angry drivers.  Anticipate the angry drive may have a weapon.
• Get help.  Call police on your cell phone or go to a public telephone or place.  Don't pull to the side of the road.
• Forget about winning.  Nobody wins in a highway crash.
• Allow more time for your trip.  Make it relaxing, not hurried.
• Put yourself in the other driver's shoes.  They may be driving that way because of an actual emergency.

Reporting Road Rage or Aggressive Driving

Call 911 and provide the following information:

• Location and time that you last saw the vehicle.
• Direction of travel.
• What road or highway.
• Description of vehicle color, make, and license plate.
• Description of driver and any passengers.
• Were weapons involved?
• What happened?
• Are you a victim or a witness?