Two Highways Intersect with No Traffic Signal – The Fix

Thompson v. State

Two Highways Intersect with No Traffic Signal – The Fix

1998 -- Interstate 90 meets State Route 18 at an unsignalized intersection, leaving cars turning left from SR 18 onto I-90 without a green arrow or any other traffic control device.  Drivers turning left risk a collision with a through vehicle if a gap in oncoming traffic proves to be inadequate for slipping through.  

WSDOT traffic counts at the time show that vehicle volumes are at a level that warrants a traffic signal.  In fact, of the 240 intersections being monitored in the NW Region, traffic volumes rank this intersection number one in terms of the need for a traffic signal.  

What to do while awaiting funding for the signal?  The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (adopted as law in Washington) recommends the installation of a temporary four-way stop with signs for all directions, so that drivers will stop and proceed through the intersection in an orderly manner.  

But WSDOT fails to take that needed action, leaving drivers using the intersection to proceed at their own risk. 

August 27, 1998 – Velma Jean Thompson leaves her home and drives during rush hour on SR 18, heading to the elementary school where she teaches.  She’s following 3-4 car-lengths behind a truck, approaching the SR 18/I-90 intersection.  As she enters the intersection, a white pickup truck suddenly turns left in her path.  With no time to avoid the crash, Ms. Thompson is left quadriplegic.