King County is warning wrong-way drivers near the Vashon Ferry Terminal that
they are endangering lives, and could also receive a heavy fine for their risky
behavior.
Traffic engineers have noticed a recent increase in motorists crossing the
double-yellow center line divider on Vashon Highway Southwest and driving on
the wrong side of the road to reach the Vashon Ferry Terminal. Driving on the
wrong side of the road under any circumstances is illegal and a dangerous move.
The fine for driving on the wrong side of the road is $101, and a possible
head-on collision resulting from this action could have far-reaching tragic
results.
It appears some drivers are making this risky move because they are dropping
off/picking up foot passengers, or have business in the terminal area, and they
are attempting to bypass the line-up of cars on Vashon Highway waiting to catch
a ferry. The drivers appear to be unaware of other routes to the ferry terminal
that are available to them. These other routes, 103rd Avenue
Southwest and Southwest 112th Street, are equally as convenient to
Vashon Highway Southwest and typically don’t require any more time.
"If you’re driving on the wrong side of the highway, you have no way of
telling when a car may be coming up the hill in the southbound direction, and
the potential for a head-on collision is very real," said Norton Posey, acting
traffic engineer for King County
Road Services.
"Drivers have to use some common sense. No amount of time you might save is
worth a citation or the injuries that might result. There are other routes to
the terminal area, pointed out by signs and road markings," said Posey.
Several years ago, the King County
Department of Transportation took steps to inform motorists of their
options to reach the ferry terminal area. Signage on Vashon Highway at the top
of the hill at 103rd Avenue Southwest directs motorists to the route
for passenger pick up and drop off. Another sign in advance of the terminal at
Southwest 112th Street directs motorists to a route to the terminal
area.
These routes go to the terminal area to pick up or drop off passengers or
visit businesses, but they will not allow vehicles to get in line for the
ferry. Once past Southwest 112th Street northbound, there are no
other turnoffs to the terminal area from Vashon Highway Southwest before
reaching the ferry terminal.
"No one likes to wait in long lines," said Posey, "but driving on the wrong
side of the highway is not the answer."
