For the second time today, Seattle Police have published an Aggressive Driver Response Team roundup – and this one is topped by a double-the-limit speeder reported on the Admiral Way hill. See the list here. (The highlight of today’s earlier list: 71 mph on The Bridge.)
It doesn’t matter what anyone “thinks” the speed limit should be on Admiral or any other road, the speed limit is what it is and if you go over that then you should get a ticket! Every single day when I drive down Admiral I’m constantly tailgated or passed by someone who “thinks” that the speed limit should be more, or they think they are exempt from the rules.
Totally agree, bg. And then on to the bridge, where I’m tailgated, sped around, etc.,, until we all end up in the same spot: stuck midway on brake-light way. There must be some adrenaline rush involved with trying to push someone out of the way…only to end up cozying up next to him/her.
bg….exactly..
car going to fast going down the hill? shift into 2nd…it’s not rocket science..and you are not more “special” than the rest of us :D
Tk — When were Admiral Way’s speed limits 45 up and 35 down? If the speed limits were posted 45 up and 35 down, then drivers who speed would go 55/60 up and 45/50 down — that’s just what speeders do — way too fast for Admiral Way. What a way to waste expensive gas. Everyone knows if you keep the speedomter at lower, even speeds gas consumption decreases.
I agree with bg and kim and JanS.
RCW 46.61.100 is what you are refering to I think WsBoB. I am not a cop but read(1-a) I don’t think I need to move over so you can go 45 mph., in a 30 mph zone.
Can someone explain why 35th is a 35MPH and Admiral is a 30MPH? 35th is very busy, with cross streets, bus stops, a school, a park and lots of pedestrians. There is nothing on the Admiral hill. I am not saying make it a 50MPH, but 35 would make a big difference.
I think it is just a big money maker for the city and they don’t want to give up the cash cow.
Seems to me like most motorists don’t like to obey the law. They should be licensed, or something. Then they’ll stop speeding and running reds! Oh, wait a minute….
If the speed limit were 45mph, there would be less tailgating because all folks would be going a normal speed. I see no logic is SETTING the speed limit at less than 45. Make it that and then ticket the speeders.
If rush hour concerns you, make the speed limit different for those particular times. Say, 5mph, what we all drive now…
I agree with bg…and NO ONE goes 25 in the SSV construction area, with those very skinny lanes… or further up the AWV where the speed drops; people just sit on your bumper. I am pretty sure all those tailgaters wouldn’t offer to pay my ticket if I sped up just for them, so please go around and pass me on the left.
My take on Admiral is that the limit is low to keep the speed down with the merging and pull outs from side streets.
Eaglelover, There are no side streets on the Admiral hill. Well there is one that is never used half way up the hill.
Regarding BG, I don’t disagree that you shouldn’t drive faster than what is posted, the point I am making is it should be 35, not 30.
“keep right except when passing” doesn’t refer to city streets. Thats a highway rule.
I enjoy going exactly 30mph, hoping people will pass me and get caught. Wish the cops were there more though for this to pay off.
And in the construction zone on the bridge, its 25, not 30, 35, 40 or 45…..
The Admiral Way hill is not that long. The difference in going 30mph and 70mph is less than one minute… if you are in such a rush to get to the bridge or top of the hill, maybe you need to look at a clock more often.
I love all these selfish people who are not considerate of other people and try to “police” the left lane and drive exactly the speed limit and then THEY get pissed off that people are tailgating them. Half the time the people who are going 30mph have no clue of whats going around them. They are either texting or blabbing on their phone or have a stupid animal in thier lap. Don’t get me started thats a distraction right their.If you are holding traffic up get over and let people pass you, You are causing more of a chance of a accident going slower. I know when I drive fast I pay more attention then the slow-ass people who have no clue on whats going on. Its not hard to pull over and let someone pass then have a “Holier then thou attitude”. And yes I drive a suv too.
There are quite a few of us that live just off the Admiral speedway, and we love the SPD’s traffic cops. Keep busting’ ’em!
One Big Question- does my going 35-40 affect you?- No it doesn’t. Too many uptight people think its their job to police others. You drive how you want and Ill drive how I want on admiral (under 40 mph and under control).
@Speeder: People who “police the left lane” by abiding by the law are inconsiderate to those who choose to break the law?
Hmmmmmm
LOL @ people complaining about the speed limit being too slow. It doesn’t matter what you think, the speed limit is 30, so dont complain or tailgate when people are going 30. If you don’t like the speed limit get it changed…but you probably wouldn’t want to do that either cause it would be a slow process.
@ Edith…yes, if you are tailgating me
Actually your driving slow in the left land does effect eveybody. You are holding traffic up.You are forcing everybody to go around you. There is a law in the books that says if you are impeding traffic by having more then 4 cars behind you, You need to get over and let people pass you.I wish state patrol would start ticketing these type of people too. People need to drive with the flow of traffic and not “patrol” the left lane because they think the are “Holier then thou”
@ K: the people thet didn’t know there are two other side streets were driving too fast to see them.
I agree that yes, speeders should get ticketed.
That being said I’ve never understood why the speed limit on Admiral hill (say below the viewpoint) is set at 30mph while the limits on 35th Ave and I believe Fauntleroy both of which are much busier and more populated streets are set at 35mph.
Is Admiral inherently unsafe requiring a lower speed limit? Does anyone know why the limit is lower than the other streets. Any statistics available on accident rates per 1000 vehicles on Admiral vs 35th or Fauntleroy?
The keep right except to pass is a WA State Highway regulation, not a city street regulation: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/LocalPrograms/Traffic/Laws.htm
http://apps.leg.wa.gov RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.005 The provisions of this chapter relating to the operation of vehicles refer exclusively to the operation of vehicles upon highways except:
(1) Where a different place is specifically referred to in a given section.
(2) The provisions of RCW 46.52.010 through 46.52.090, 46.61.500 through 46.61.525, and 46.61.5249 shall apply upon highways and elsewhere throughout the state.
If one is exceeding the speed limit, it doesn’t followthat everyone else should get out of the way. The drivers following the speed limit are not the problem. That’s what the speeders don’t understand. There’s not an automatic “me first” law. Go the speed limit. It’s really not that difficult. Are the same people complaining about having to go the speed limit the same ones that don’t yield to pedestrians, don’t stop at red lights (thus, against red light cams), and think cyclists shouldn’t be on the road because it’s too dangerous? If so, the “me first” attitude explains a lot. If everyone abided by the the law, there’s be no tickets. There’d be no crashes or deaths due to negligent driving.
Actually, EF, the word “highway” in state and municipal traffic code means any public right of way, including city streets. In addition to state law requiring drivers to keep right except to pass, there is a city ordinance that requires slower vehicles to move right and allow faster-traveling vehicles to overtake them.
@Al, wrong I always yield to pedestrians, stop at red lights, let people over in front of me. And I dont mind bikes on the roads- however it is quite annoying when they want dont want to stop at stop signs/lights or bike in the opposite direction of traffic and then complain about cars not following the rules- they can’t have it both ways.
@Brandon, nope tailgating does not in itself directly affect you, however if you’re worried move over, because by driving slower in the left lane you are affecting those who want to drive 30+.
@Brandon, nope tailgating does not in itself directly affect you, however if you’re worried move over, because by driving slower in the left lane you are affecting those who want to drive 30+.
All this justification just for 5 seconds, or 10 seconds, or 20 seconds (whatever) of “perceived” gain in time by exceeding the speed limit which is then lost as soon as one hits traffic or a stop sign or stop light…
Kbear – where does it say that any public ROW automatically means state highway? Please provide a link.
And just because one is speeding doesn’t mean that everyone has to move over. If one is driving slower than the speed limit, certainly one should not be in the left lane. But just because one is exceeding the speed limit (always illegal, no matter what the case, unless one is an emergency vehicle following appropriate protocol) does not automatically and magically grant one the use of the left lane.
Al, I didn’t say city streets were state highways. I said the word “highway” as used traffic codes simply means any street or road that is open to vehicular traffic. It’s in the definition section of both city and state traffic codes. I’m sure you know where to look it up.
@ Edith/Dave..I see your point that, the act of tailgating in itself does not affect me directly. However, when I look in my rearview at someone who is tailgating me and they have an impatient look on their face, I can’t help but to chuckle.
I think the biggest problem here is the fact that people feel entitled to do what ever they want. “Screw, the speed limit. I don’t agree with it therefore I won’t abide by the law” That is not a logical argument. People that don’t follow the speed limit and complain about people slowing them down is similar to a drug dealer complaining that someone doesn’t like that they are selling drugs outside of their house.
@Leon…according to the law, speeding is worse.
I just cant believe that by driving 5 mph over the speed limit, its hurting anyone except for the uptights who like policing others- thats my point. I will agree that people shouldnt get out of my way so i can speed, but dont make a point of going slower than the speed limit just to prove a point or changing lanes just to slow others down-thats how road rage starts.
The only reason I drive exactly 30 (or no more than 35) up and down admiral is because of the heavy patrol and seemingly low speed limit there. I do enjoy seeing irritated people pass me after tailgating, just wish the patrol would catch them more. And that is when I’m in the right lane and people cant wait to fly around meu in the left. We’re not talking about people causing a distraction or a back up, just driving the limit in a well know speed trap. Besides if I get over to the right going down admiral, you’d probably not let me back in at the bottom.
who said anything about going below the speed limit dave? Thats a whole different thing. I wasnt trying to police anyone, Im saying go for it, speed on admiral. I’m going to drive in the 30-35 range so as not to get a ticket, but people will continue to tailgate me everyday, and I’m not going to be the sucker who speeds up for you and gets a ticket
If you’re not a cop, then you shouldn’t be policing people by passive-aggressively camping in the left lane. Move over, like the law requires you to do. There was a segment on KUOW a couple months ago with a Seattle cop and someone asked just that question: regardless of if a person is speeding or not, you’re not supposed to impede their progress by sitting in the left lane. Keep right except to pass. You’re not a cop, you’re just some vigilante jerk.
I usually go 35-40 up the Admiral hill, mostly because the lack of momentum at 30 makes me uncomfortable, especially when riding my motorcycle.
For going up Admiral, if you have cruise control, set it to 30’ish and just chill.
(I want car makers than make a cruise control that slows you down when going downhill – my car goes to fast down Admiral if left alone)
@kbear, if you need to be in the left lane for an upcoming exit then people are going to be in that lane. Which is the case when driving around most city streets, the rule basically applys to highways and freeways. I’m not looking up municiple codes, just common sense. If I’m driving across the mountains on I-90, then of course you stay in the right except to pass. You’d like to take that rule literally while you drive around town so everyone will just get out of your way.
I’m not complaining about the people going 35 in a 30 zone, because I know for a fact it’s difficult to maintain that speed on the downhill slope. I’m talking about the people who are nowhere to be seen when I start down the hill, but then because of their speeding they are directly behind me seconds later, so obviously they are going well over 35. For the person who said the slow goers are usually texting or doing something else, no, what I am doing is paying attention to the road, I’m not texting or talking on the phone. For the person that said who does it harm…well it harms me when you misjudge and try to get around me when tailgating me and then you clip my back bumper, which has happened to me. And for all of the armchair engineers who think the speed limit should be more, I’m sure if it was 45 you would all be going about 55 and bitching about it being 45.
@sven, you’ve confused 2 different topics. We’re talking specifically about admiral way. So if I’m going down admiral trying to keep my speed around 30-35, I’m not “camping” in the left lane. I have to be in the left lane to get on the bridge. Totally different situation than a higher speed road with miles ahead and no exits, that would be camping in the left lane. Nobody is policing anything, I just don’t need to be tail gated in a well known speed trap so that you can get to the bottom 5 seconds before me. So if you whip around me in that scenario I will enjoy it if you get pulled over because I hate tail gaters. By the way if I’m coming up the hill I will usually get over to the right asap, but I’m usually being tal gated before that point. I’m not a prude driver, its just at that hill its very easy to get pulled over so I consciously go the limit or close.
People who are in the left lane on Admiral are generally entering onto the West Seattle bridge. It is not to “impede” traffic. I have moved over for faster traffic, only to be prevented from getting into the left lane to enter on to the West seattle bridge.
wow, this is entertaining. I get a kick out of the people that feel the need to tailgate me, especially the small 2 seater ‘sport’ convertibles like the Miata’s and SLK’s. Your wee little car will slide nicely into my massive solid rear axle and my bumper will knock you in the face, tailgate on buddy I can’t see you anyhow.
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I try to keep my speed between 30-35mph going down the hill and pretty much have a spot on 30mph up the hill (yay for torque!).
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I’m not policing the speed limit, I’m actively following the law. There is NO law that says I need to move over for non emergency vehicles when I’m going the speed limit on city streets. Sorry, but there is not.
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I love speed, I love it a lot. That’s why I take it to the track or off-road in approved locations. I highly suggest people go to DirtFish, Pacific Raceways, Moses Lake Sand Dunes/ORV Park and get a fix.
I smile every time I see these posts about SPD handing out speeding tickets. Speed all you want, speeders, but sooner or later you’ll have to pay the price (and hopefully you don’t kill or injure anyone in the process — all for a few precious seconds chopped off your commute times).
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Oh, and GREAT COMMENT, JN!
Perhaps I’m in the minority, but I actually drive at the posted speed limit on Admiral Way and everywhere else. That includes the 25 mph limit set in the work zone on the expressway E and W bound, 40 on the Viaduct, 35 on 35th, 20 in school zones when required etc. It seems so many feel the posted speed limits are a suggestion. Also seems like stop signs and red lights are merely a suggestion as well. They are not and please do not tailgate or rage at those who follow the laws.
As for the 30mph limit on Admiral Way, I can think of reasons as to why it is set at 30, less road noise for those within earshot, pedestrian crossing, merging from the side streets. I do travel in the right lane when possible, but trying to merge into the left lane becomes difficult with so many doing well over the limit.
It’s really not at all diffcult to know and follow traffic laws.
M — You are spot on when saying that a high percentage of drivers treat the posted speed limits as a suggestion. Is this passive/aggressive driving behavior or selfish driving or just plain stupid driving? It is well researched and documented that higher speeds impede a driver’s control of their vehicle which creates danger for other drivers.
@seattlite, yep, 5 mph over the speed limit is just wild and crazy, like playing Russian roulette with you life. Guess when it comes down to it like a few people have said – I’ll drive how I want (taking my chances with getting a ticket) and you drive how u want. Bottom lone I’d like to think the police would focus on all the thefts going on in west Seattle right now- meh anyway see you at the top/bottom of hilll-Not.
I definitely drive the speed limit on Admiral Way solely because of speed traps. Every time someone tailgates me or zooms around I hope a cop is there, watching, but it has never happened. What would happen, however, is one would be there if I got impatient and went over the limit!
Admiral Hill speed limit should not be increased. If it takes a road diet to keep drivers compliant on this short stretch of road, then we should have a road diet. Whenever you have 4 lanes, normally nice drivers turn aggressive and competitive and road rage results. Automotive vehicles are potentially lethal weapons. Speeding threatens local residents, pedestrians and bikers. Safety issues aside, speeding vehicles increase toxic emissions which threatens everyone’s health.
Sorry, comment time is over.
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