Elderly Drivers a Possible Danger on the Road Too

Back in 2005, Boston Senator Brian A. Joyce attempted to pass Senate Bill 1914, aka an Act to Promote Safe Driving. But in the end there was very little support. No audience attended the legislation in October for Joyce's bill, but there were many people at a hearing the same month for stricter teen driving standards.

Although teen driving is an issue, Joyce sees the issues with elderly driving too.
In 2001, AAA found in a study that drivers over 65 were 25 percent more likely to get in an accident than middle-aged drivers. Seniors were more prone to intersection crashes and can have troubles making left turns, driving in heavy traffic or at night.

Seniors have the second highest crash death rate per mile next to teenagers, according to AAA. The association’s Web site projects that by 2020, there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers over 65 in the United States, up from 18.9 million in 2000.

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.