Today, Google launches “Bicycle directions” on its Google Maps. It will be unveiled at the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C.
In the Emerald City, known for its sustainability practices and “green living,” Seattle was the appropriate launching ground for this innovative mapping feature. In response to over 51,000 signatures on a petition requesting a reliable [...]
Mar
10
2010
10
2010
Google Maps Adds Bicycle Routes
Mar
5
2010
5
2010
No Cell Phone Talking Or Texting For Teen Drivers in Washington State
Wednesday, the Washington State House passed a bill prohibiting teenage drivers from using a cell phone while driving. This ban is a primary offense and includes talking and texting. The penalty is a $124 fine. The House did not pass the portion of the bill proposing to make it a primary offense for adult [...]
Mar
4
2010
4
2010
Mandatory Arbitration in Washington State
On March 11th, Ms. Filutowski will speak at the Washington State Association for Justice’s Continuing Legal Education seminar on Mandatory Arbitration. She will discuss the nuances of various county rules (Pierce, King and Snohomish) and how to develop a personal injury cliam’s strongest arguments for arbitration.
Mar
3
2010
3
2010
Cell Phone Use While Driving – Primary Offense in Washington State?
Washington State legislatures will be considering whether texting and using a hand held cell phone should be a primary offense. To encourage your legislature to pass the proposed bill, visit Driven to Distraction Task Force of Washington State.
Chief of Harborview Medical Center speaks in a video about the increasing incident of injuries caused by drivers [...]
Feb
9
2010
9
2010
Another State Bans Driver Cell Phone Use
Virginia passed a law banning drivers from using handheld cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Holding a cell phone while operating a vehicle is a $20 primary offense. Second offense is $50. By 2011, the fine will increase to $200. Virginia is one of only approximately 20 states that [...]
Feb
4
2010
4
2010
Protect Yourself When Traveling for Renergizing Retreats and Recreation
The shocking deaths last year at the Arizona sweat lodge just outside of Sedona occurred at motivational speaker, James Arthur Ray’s retreat, “Spiritual Warrior.”
Some of the attendees (who paid $9,000.00 each for the 5-day retreat) started collapsing and vomiting during a session. James ridiculed them and pushed them to stay in the 100+ degree lodge. [...]
Jan
29
2010
29
2010
Hands-Free Cell Phone Use Doesn’t Reduce Driver Distraction
The New York Times (1/29, Jensen) reports that a study from the Highway Loss Data Institute shows that bans on cellphone use “haven’t reduced crashes” in some states, and the result “had the researchers scratching their heads.” The study, finished in December, compared all crashes in California, New York, Connecticut and Washington with crashes after [...]
Jan
24
2010
24
2010
Former Student, Distracted By Texting, Kills Bicycling High School Teacher
In Washington State’s first vehicle homicide case involving a driver distracted by texting, 18-year-old Antonio Cellestine was sentenced to 60-months in jail for killing his former Hudson’s Bay High School teacher, Gordon Patterson.
KATU: Man was texting when he hit and killed teacher.
Cellestine was texting his girlfriend when he swerved off the road and hit 50-year [...]
Jan
24
2010
24
2010
Washington State Lawmakers Working to Make Cell Phone Distraction Primary Offense For Drivers
Currently Washington State drivers can be cited for talking on a cell phone or texting only if a police officer pulls them over for some other traffic violation (e.g., speeding, swerving, running a red light, no seat belt, etc.)
Citizens and public officials recognize the serious (and sometimes fatal) risks caused by drivers distracted by cell [...]
Jan
22
2010
22
2010
Toyota Voluntarily Recalls 2.3 Million Vehicles With Defective Gas Pedal
Safe, reliable vehicle design and manufacturing are expected by all consumers of vehicles. When this standard is violated by the manufacturer, lawsuits will arise and car manufacturers lose customer loyalty.
Such violation of customer trust has occurred twice for Toyota. Toyota’s ineffective quality control and/or research and design teams have led to two, independent recalls [...]
