High-Tech Speed Traps Online In Bellevue

BELLEVUE, Wash. -- As nearly 17,000 students started school in Bellevue Monday, new high-tech speed traps went online.

Drivers will see the new cameras and warning signs as they approach Lake Hills and Stevenson elementary schools.

The sign surrounded with flashing lights gives drivers about 150 feet to slow down to the 20 mph school zone speed.

For the first 30 days, drivers who violate the speed zone during school start and release hours will get a warning. After the transition period, drivers caught on camera will be fined with a $124 ticket.

The Bellevue City Council's web site emphasizes that the council will be reviewing the cameras' performance every six months.

The City Council approved the pilot program early last April.


From KIRO Online

PEMCO: Texting While Driving Rate Up

PEMCO Insurance issued a news release, August 25, that reveals more Washingtonians are texting while driving. The PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll, conducted by FBK Research, shows that of those who use electronic devices, more of them – 18% – admit to reading or sending text messages while driving than in February 2008, when only 6% said they did so. Ironically, the same poll found that increasing numbers of drivers are concerned that texting while driving is a dangerous distraction.

Des Moines Office Wins Prestigious Award

SAV-ON Insurance has been selected for the 2009 Best of Des Moines Award in the Insurance Agents category by the U.S. Commerce Association.

Each year, the US Commerce Association (USCA) identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Thank you to our wonderful clients and others that made this award possible. We will continue to strive for the most excellent service and provide to families and individuals in need in our local community.


US Commerce Association Website

WA Unemployment Rate Decreased in July

Are we seeing a change in our economic status? Washington State saw an unemployment rate decrease this last month at 9.1%, down from 9.2% in June. A small gain...but in the right direction!

We gained 4000 new non-agricultural jobs last month. The last time we had a gain in jobs was in November 2008.

Washington is below the national unemployment rate of 9.4% (July) but still, more than 315,850 people are currently unemployed and seeking work in this state alone.

Mileage is Top Reason for Depreciation

An online survey by CarMax, Inc found that most Americans see mileage as the top reason for depreciation, even over an accident. Other major reasons were frame damage and not keeping up with regular maintenance, which was chosen more by women than men.

The results of the survey:
Vehicle mileage - 33%
Accident or frame damage - 24%
Keeping up with regular maintenance - 22%
Current market data - 12%
Flood damage - 7%
Title issues - 2%

Ohio City, 10,000 Tickets in a Month

Installation of 10 new traffic cameras has led to a whopping 10,000 tickets issued in Heath, Ohio in just a 4 week period.

To make matters worse, the turn around time on the mailed citations is such a long period of time that many of the offenders unknowingly racked up quite a few more tickets in the meantime. And then, to challenge a ticket, a $100 bond must be posted. So essentially, the offender has paid the ticket hoping to get refunded after their hearing.

The 10,000 citations would mean $830,000 in revenue for the city, but it's likely many of the tickets will be dropped.

Some have stated the Redflex traffic cameras are just too sensitive. A huge possibility seeing as how Redflex takes a portion of the ticket earnings.

The Redflex website boasts "the longest consistently-operating company in the photo enforcement industry."

4 Steps to Take in Emergency Situations

The main thing is staying calm...and follow these 4 steps in an emergency situation!
From Carepages.com

1. Assess the situation. Is your loved one bleeding or did he have a blow to the head, a fall, or an allergic reaction? Is he experiencing any symptom specifically related to his illness? What were you both doing just prior to the emergency? Is he responsive? Are his pupils enlarged and are they the same size? Was there a complaint of pain or anything else relevant? What is different or unusual about your loved one? “Observe, observe, observe,” says Guerra in anticipation of calling 911.
   
   
2. Call 911. Do this when you have the even slightest hint that your loved one is facing a life-threatening emergency. “A call to 911 is the best thing in any emergency,” says Guerra. Do not attempt to take anyone with a potentially serious problem to the hospital yourself; instead, call 911 immediately. Give the 911 operator as much information as you can, so that emergency personnel can be fully prepared to assist your loved one when they arrive, says Guerra. It's crucial to accurately describe the situation and speak slowly and clearly when talking with the 911 operator. Mention any pre-existing conditions, such as a history of heart attack, diabetes, a bleeding disorder, or asthma.
   
   
3. Loosen any tight clothing. Make sure your loved one has nothing constricting the airways, like a restrictive shirt or tie, and keep them in a comfortable position while you wait for help.
   
   
4. Comfort and communicate. Talk to your loved one until 911 arrives. Guerra recommends that you keep your loved one awake by talking to them, but don’t encourage them to talk. Take slow, deep breaths to help yourself stay calm as well.