Summertime Driving Tips
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 It’s a fun, busy time of year. Do your best to keep it safe with these summertime safe driving tips:
- Blinding light. The longest days of the year are here and morning commuters are more likely to have the sun in their eyes. Bright sunlight and reflections can reduce visibility. Reduce your speed and keep headlights on to make yourself more visible to other motorists.
- Slow down. The weather is warm and everyone’s out and about, which is great but also means more traffic and the potential of feeling rushed. Slow down and allow extra travel time if needed.
- Watch for pedestrians and bikers that may be distracted by cell phones or ear buds.
- Slippery when wet! Less rain means more oil and grease buildup on the roadways. When the rain returns (and you know it will), it mixes with the road residue resulting in a slippery roadway. Please exercise extreme caution. The first few minutes after a rain begins may be the most dangerous because the oil and grease on the road have just started to spread over the surface.
- Minimize distractions. The task of driving needs your full attention. Eating and drinking, fiddling with the stereo, talking to people in your vehicle are all forms of distracted driving. Never use your cell phone while driving. If you need to send a text or make a call, designate a passenger to do so for you. Using a cell phone while driving carries a fine of at least $124 in Washington State and could cost you significantly more if you are involved with causing a collision. Being cited for using a cell phone while driving also disqualifies you from driving the van.
Please stay safe out there.
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Pre-trip Inspections
Did you know that as a vanpool driver you should conduct pre-trip inspections? Before commuting, be sure to walk around the van to identify any body damage or fluid leaks. Likewise, while inside the van, stay attuned to how the van is driving. If you notice anything amiss in the way the van handles or if a dash light comes on, please notify us immediately. We will provide instructions on how to proceed.
Photo Infractions
Chances are you encounter at least one red light camera or school zone camera on your commute or other day-to-day driving. Please treat these areas with care! A photo infraction for running a red light or speeding in a school zone (in the van or your personal vehicle) disqualifies you from driving the van per our insurance pool’s best practices. In Seattle, red light citations carry a fine of $139 and school zone speed violations cost $237 – not anyone’s first choice in how to spend our hard-earned money.
Avoidance: The key to avoiding a red light camera ticket is to come to a complete stop BEFORE the crosswalk, limit line or entrance to the intersection. Likewise in school zones, always hold to the letter of the law and reduce your speed to no more than 20 mph BEFORE entering the school zone.
If you receive a camera infraction, please let us know.
New Location Reminder
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In case you haven’t visited us recently, here is a friendly reminder that the vanpool offices and fleet have moved .2 miles down the road to Pierce Transit’s Training Center. We’re now located at 3720 96th Street SW in Lakewood.
Need to stop by? Just give us a call ahead of time so we can ensure we are available for you.
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