Here’s a bold statement: Washington’s roads could be a lot safer and less frustrating if drivers tackled a few bad habits. But here’s where it gets controversial—many of these issues aren’t just about following rules; they’re about basic respect and common sense. Let’s dive into what Chris Sullivan, KIRO Newsradio’s traffic reporter, hopes Washington drivers will improve by 2026, and trust me, it’s not your typical New Year’s resolution list.
First up, and this might seem obvious, but it’s shocking how often it’s ignored: use your turn signals. Yes, those blinking lights on your car? They’re not just for decoration. They’re there to communicate your intentions to other drivers. The rule is simple—signal at least 100 feet before turning, and even farther on the freeway. It’s not just the law; it’s common courtesy. And while we’re on the topic of courtesy, let’s talk headlights. If you’re driving an SUV with high beams blazing, you’re blinding everyone around you. It’s dangerous, unnecessary, and frankly, just rude. Turn them down—your fellow drivers will thank you.
And this is the part most people miss: the left lane is not your personal highway. It’s for passing, period. Even if you’re cruising at the speed limit, move over if someone’s behind you. It’s not your job to enforce speed limits—that’s the State Patrol’s gig. Also, a quick note: HOV and toll lanes don’t count as the left lane in this context. They’re their own beast, even outside HOV hours.
Merging is another sore spot. Washington drivers, let’s be honest, we’re not great at it. When someone’s merging onto the freeway, don’t speed up to block them. Instead, move over if you can do so safely. And here’s a hot take: the zipper merge is your friend. If a lane’s closing ahead, use both lanes until the merge point. It keeps traffic moving and reduces congestion for everyone. Yes, it might feel counterintuitive, but trust the science—it works.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the car: distracted driving. Put. Your. Phone. Down. The law’s been clear since 2017, yet I still see drivers chatting away with their phones glued to their ears. It’s not just illegal; it’s reckless. And while we’re at it, let’s give big rigs some space. They can’t stop on a dime, so don’t dart in front of them. You’ll lose that battle every time.
Here’s the real kicker: all of this boils down to one thing—selfishness. Your trip isn’t more important than anyone else’s, and your time isn’t more valuable. Imagine every other driver is a family member—would you cut off your mom or tailgate your kid? Probably not. And if someone makes a mistake, don’t assume they’re out to get you. A little empathy goes a long way.
So, as we head into the new year, let’s make a pact to drive smarter, kinder, and safer. Happy New Year, Washington drivers. Let’s make 2026 the year we all do better on the roads.
Controversial question for you: Do you think the zipper merge is efficient, or does it just feel like chaos? Let’s debate it in the comments. And while you’re at it, share your biggest driving pet peeve—maybe we can all learn something. Follow Chris Sullivan’s traffic updates on KIRO Newsradio and X for more insights. Drive safe!
