One Dead, Three Injured in Mae Valley Car Crash
A tragic two-vehicle collision near Moses Lake on Monday evening has left one person dead and three others injured, according to the Grant County Sheriff's...
Sign Up for WSDOT Travel Alerts: Washington Law & Traveler Rights
Introduction Washington residents and visitors rely on timely traffic information to stay safe and informed. Under Washington law, WSDOT isn’t just a provider of transportation...
Summer Car Accidents in Eastern Washington: DUI and Speed Top the List
Did you know that summer is the most dangerous time on the roads in Eastern Washington? According to Washington State Patrol crash data, July and...
Expect Delays on Snoqualmie Pass This Fourth of July Weekend
The Fourth of July weekend is a peak travel period in Washington State, and Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 is expected to see significant traffic delays. As the...
Whiskey Truck Crash Near Snoqualmie Pass Highlights Dangers of Speed and Commercial Vehicle Negligence
A recent Snoqualmie Pass semi-truck crash involving a trailer carrying 10,000 bottles of whiskey caused 15 miles of traffic delays and raised serious concerns about negligence and road safety....
Memorial Day Traffic in Washington: Injury or Arrest?
Memorial Day traffic in Washington is among the worst of the year. If you're traveling I-5, I-90, or US 2 this weekend, expect long delays...
I-90 Traffic and DUI Patrols: Outlaw Festival Safety Tips
If you’re planning to attend the Outlaw Music Festival at the Gorge Amphitheatre on Sunday, May 25, 2025, be prepared for increased I-90 traffic and DUI patrols. With artists like Willie Nelson...
Cle Elum Car Accident – What to Do After a Crash
A Cle Elum car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. Whether you’re a local or a traveler passing through, knowing what to do after...
Most Dangerous Counties for Driving in Washington
Introduction If you’re driving in Washington State, it’s critical to know the most dangerous counties for car accidents. Recent data shows that fatal car crashes have increased dramatically, with over 800 traffic fatalities reported in the last year alone. From the congested freeways of King County to the risky rural roads of Yakima County, drivers face serious dangers across the state. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, Blanford Law is ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Top 5 Most Dangerous Counties for Driving in Washington 1. King County – 150 Fatal Car Accidents King County consistently ranks as the most dangerous county for driving in Washington. Major freeways like I-5 and I-90 see heavy traffic congestion, speeding, and frequent distracted driving incidents. 2. Pierce County – 95 Fatal Car Accidents Pierce County is another dangerous area for drivers in Washington. Busy roads like SR 16 and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge contribute to serious crashes involving impaired drivers and excessive speed. 3. Snohomish County – 41 Fatal Car Accidents Highways such as I-5 and US 2 make Snohomish County one of the most dangerous counties for car accidents in Washington, especially during holiday weekends and poor weather conditions. 4. Spokane County – 57 Fatal Car Accidents With a significant increase in fatal car accidents, Spokane County now ranks among the most dangerous counties for driving in Washington. Distracted driving and impaired drivers remain key issues. 5. Yakima County...
DUI Physical Control Washington: State v. Reid and the Safely Off the Roadway Defense
DUI Physical Control Washington: Legal Background Washington law allows DUI charges even when you're not driving. Under RCW 46.61.504, being in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence is enough to be charged. But there’s an important legal safeguard: the “safely off the roadway” defense. This defense applies if you parked your vehicle in a safe place before police arrived. In the case of State v. Reid, the Washington Supreme Court clarified how and when this defense applies. State v. Reid: Defining the Limits of the Defense In Reid, the defendant was found sleeping inside a parked car in a private lot while intoxicated. He claimed his car was “safely off the roadway,” but the Court disagreed. The Washington Supreme Court ruled: The defense under RCW 46.61.504(2) isn’t automatic. Being on private property doesn’t guarantee protection. The burden of proof is on the defendant to show they moved the vehicle safely off the roadway, before any police interaction. This case reinforces the complexity of DUI physical control Washington law. When Can You Claim "Safely Off the Roadway"? ✅ You Must Act Voluntarily You must move the vehicle yourself, not just be parked somewhere convenient or random. ✅ It Must Happen Before Police Contact If you only pulled over after seeing flashing lights, it’s likely too late to claim this defense. ✅ The Area Must Be Safe Private lots, parking lanes, and shoulder areas are not automatically safe zones. Your chosen location must clearly reduce danger to yourself and others. Blanford Law: Experienced in DUI Physical Control Washington Defense At Blanford Law, we defend DUI physical control charges across Washington. If you parked somewhere to avoid driving drunk, we can help you prove you met the legal standard for the safely off the roadway defense. We will: Analyze your case under State v. Reid and related rulings...