Crystal Mountain - General

I have been trying not to write this for a couple seasons now.  After yesterday (Friday), I can't help myself.  In the state of Washington, it is illegal to back up more than 5 cars behind you.  Yesterday, one driver on 410 between 7:30 and 8:00am had 40 cars stuck behind them.  It's OK if you are not comfortable driving on roads that have been plowed and de-iced, yet still have a little snow on them.  However, please look in your rearview mirror and use one of multiple turnouts to let other drivers around you.  You are going to cause accidents by people trying to pass you or a long string of cars.  If your car isn't set up properly for mountain driving, fix it.  I'd suggest either front wheel drive or better yet, AWD with a good set of snow tires like Blizzaks.  It will be safer for you as well as everyone else on the road with you.  And, your rearview mirrors are there for a reason...please use them.  Thank you.

OK, let the s-storm begin.

Well said Chris!!! If only we could put this on a Washdot. reader board heading out of
Enumscratch

ALL the roads have gotten a lot worse since this latest growth spurt in Seattle. I90 closed more last year due to spin outs then Avy control (ok I lied, I just checked the WSDOT stats). But it seemed that way.

Perhaps my point is analogous to our author, why are people driving when they are scared and not properly set up for winter driving? Stay home please.

On Friday as I was driving up early (in my front wheel drive car with brand new snow tires that is almost unstoppable right now) I was following a 4by down the North Bend hill towards exit 31. In front of him was a pick up, kinda low rider looking with big shiny chrome rims and tires that clearly sucked as the next thing you know brakes on as we watch him just start to spin for no reason at all. Yes, snow on the road but no ice since it was so cold. Ridiculous.

But worse and also noted by our author, putting everyone else in danger. Me and the 4by easily avoided him as he sat there sideways on eastbound I90. But that is how a chain reaction accident happens.

Please stay off the roads.

I feel your pain, but who are y'all talking to?  Those idiot drivers are not reading this website.  And even if they were, they have so little common sense, your "advice" wouldn't register.  But if it makes you feel better.....

I feel your pain, but who are y'all talking to?  Those idiot drivers are not reading this website.  And even if they were, they have so little common sense, your "advice" wouldn't register.  But if it makes you feel better.....

Yes, this only personally cathartic. I know no one is listening.

Great thoughts. I have been driving 410 to Crystal for a long time and I agree. Snow tires and some commen sense go a long way. Thursday night I found my self behind 6 cars and a very slow UPS truck. I waited for the long straight just below Federation Forest and I safely passed everyone and continued at the posted speed limit. WSP was also in that line and decided he needed to talk to me. He said it is only legal to pass "one car at a time". I thought to myself, that is what I did. I was sure I was getting a ticket for something. I am now on my way to get several lotto tickets.

Thanks to all of those who are doing it right.