Check the weather before you go if it’s winter time, and check for wildfires in the summer.

ETA: it’s ok to ask locals for directions or help. Rural people are used to us dumb city slickers stumbling around like fools. Just respect private property, as others have said.

I enjoyed this post more than I thought I would 🤣

This is very astute. You're wise for doing this. Wish I could help, but I'm sure another Cascadian with more time can step in.

I ask, because they’re absurdly safe places. I thought you were trolling us.

Are you kidding?

I’m not talking about coordinating signals, just strictly the timing of yellows & reds. If you’re really as knowledgeable about transportation planning as you say, then you would know those are standardized and take into account the posted speed limit. I really don’t understand why you’re so deadset on fighting this point, but by all means, keep shouting into the void.

Lol I’m not. This is a thing that traffic engineers do. They do have set algorithms and software to help, but they legit program traffic signal timing based on the posted speed limits, among many other factors.

It’s totally a thing. Traffic engineers make decent money. Maybe you’d like to join the profession? There’s a huge need for more engineers, and it’s very interesting work. Plus these are usually jobs with good health insurance and retirement benefits. Come aboard!

If they’re functioning properly, yes.

Traffic signals are timed so that if you’re going the speed limit you will have enough time to either stop before the signal turns red or clear the intersection on the yellow. Either you were speeding or you ran the red. Both show poor judgment. I’d pay the fine you earned and exercise better judgment in the future.

Now I know what tonight’s nightmare fuel will be….

Chains aren’t very expensive, and they’re useful when you need ‘em. If you guys are gonna be in Pullman for a bit, go get some at Schwab. I think they’ll allow you to return them if you don’t use them. But seriously: for the peace of mind, it’s worth it.

If it was on I-5, WSDOT would be the agency from which to seek redress. However, in order for WSDOT to be liable, they would have had to have known about the trees and not taken action. That’s extremely unlikely. The speed limit is a maximum, not a minimum, and we were all taught in driver’s ed to slow down when conditions are dicey. I can think of no more dicey a condition than the one you just described. Frankly, if the state patrol didn’t cite you for exceeding safe speeds or driving too fast for conditions, it was a gift.

I’d take the L and regroup. Insurance exists precisely to support you in the unexpected. Pay for full coverage next time if you can’t afford a loss like this. And slow tf down when conditions are bad.

I’m glad you lived and weren’t seriously injured.

For me the worst part of I-5 has always been that section around Federal Way. I feel like I’ve never encountered more dangerous drivers in a concentrated space than around there.

Gonna see this line-up tomorrow, and I can’t wait!

Yep, key point here is to qualify for FMLA you have to have been working there for 12 months first.

That’s a gorgeous pic! Thanks for sharing.

I think he’s said he’s not planning to.

Ah, yes, I see that. He’s not threatening. I love it! I’m so glad you’re creating such engaging art!

This is supremely cool. The more I look at it the more I like it. I’m not much of an art person, so it’s unusual for me to have such a strong positive reaction to something like this. Nice work!

ETA: I think one of the reasons I like it is because it depicts a man’s body. I’m absolutely exhausted by art that objectifies women’s bodies behind a patina of high-mindedness.

Isn’t FMLA a federal law that protects your job while you’re out sick or caring for ill family members? I think covered employers are those with 50 or more employees, and it applies to all states.

But maybe you’re asking about something else. In any event, I wish you an easy recovery.

Here it’s the DOL, Dept of Licensing, not the DMV. Just so you know where to go. Welcome!

Check out both the Oregon and Washington state parks websites. There’s tons of info about yurts on them.

Bad advice. Highway 1 is gorgeous in California. You can cut over to 101 in northern California and go along the coast in Oregon, which is magical. I-5 sucks ass.