The West Coast of the United States is a great place to take your family's next vacation. The many different climates, scenery and outdoor spots to see make this area of the country a good choice for a trip that will be memorable and enjoyable. One state to make sure to see on your trip to the west coast is Washington ? and an activity you should be sure to do while here is kayaking. Kayaking in Washington state can be perfect for the whole family.
Kayaking is a great water sport for those who want a little adventure on their next vacation. A kayak is a type of small watercraft that is human-powered, meaning the passengers must paddle the boat in order to get to their destination, instead of just relying on a motor or wind power. Kayaks are typically covered boats with a canoe-like shape, that also include a spray skirt that covers the passengers (paddlers) sitting in the cockpit. A kayak can accommodate between one and three paddlers at a time.
Washington is a state that's perfect for both beginners and experts to enjoy kayaking. The beautiful inlet waters of Puget Sound offer a protected and tranquil area for people who want to try the more challenging sport of sea kayaking. San Juan Island, located near Seattle, Washington, are a perfect place to sea kayak, and this place even offers the opportunity to see orca whales while paddling! MSNBC (news network) even rated kayaking by San Juan Island one of the top ten adventures in the United States.
San Juan Safaris offers some of the most highly rated kayaking in Washington state, with three hour sea kayaking tours and three hour family kayaking tours available to take part in. Take your trip during spring, summer or fall to make sure that you'll see the beautiful orca whales cresting in the ocean while you're paddling your kayak on your tour. You can also rent a kayak from San Juan Safaris, and while on San Juan Island, enjoy some of the hiking and other outdoor activities that are available.
Whether you're with the family or on your own, kayaking in Washington State is a great trip for those who are looking for a different sort of outdoor vacation. Sea kayaking, with its adventurous spirit as well as relaxing scenery, makes a good trip for anyone looking to try something new ? and you'll be sure to want to return again and again.
Not only have we have noticed more of these types of accidents being reported in the news, but lately we've received several inquires from wrong-way accident victims. So we decided to look into the matter to find out just how big of a problem wrong-way driving is in Washington State. What we discovered was somewhat surprising.
Wrong way drivers present an obvious danger to all motorists on our highways. The most recent available crash statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates wrong way drivers are involved in 1.5% of all fatal crashes.
In the four-county area of King, Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom counties—136 wrong-way crashes between 1997 and 2000 resulted in 81 injuries and 9 fatalities.
On average about 350 people are killed each year nationwide in wrong-way freeway crashes, according to an analysis using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatal Accident Reporting System. From 1996 through 2000, 1,753 people died in wrong-way crashes on the Nation's freeways. Thousands more are injured.
Recent Wrong-Way Accidents In The Seattle Area
February 27, 2008 -I-405 near Hwy 900 -Multi-car accident -No major injuries
January 29, 2008 -I-5 in Arlington -Two injured; one killed
January 11, 2008 -I-405 near NE 6th in Bellevue -Two killed; one hurt
January 6, 2008 -Highway 18 in Auburn -One killed; one injured
November 7, 2007 -I-5 near Woodland -One killed
October 9, 2007 -I-5 in South -One killed
A Texas study of wrong-way accidents found that he most frequent origin of wrong-way incidents is the freeway exit ramp (i.e., a driver travels the opposite direction on an exit ramp onto the freeway main lanes).
The study also revealed that between 50 and 75 percent of wrong-way accident involve an impaired wrong-way driver who had been drinking or was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The majority of wrong-way crashes occur in major urban areas.
And the study found that wrong-way crashes are more prevalent during non-daylight hours, particularly the early morning.
Obviously there is a great need in Washington State for an increased number of wrong-way countermeasures such wrong-way signs, do not enter signs, wrong-way pavement arrows, and perhaps even a wrong-way warning system such as the one used in California.
Both Nomad Rick & Christopher Davis are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Nomad Rick has sinced written about articles on various topics from Aquarium Fish, Flying and Recreation and Sports. Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of paddle sport journals that make .. Nomad Rick's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.
Christopher Davis has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family, Marketing and Wrongful Death. Christopher M. Davis is the managing partner of Davis Law Group. He brings over 15 years of practical yet innovative experience to personal injury cases. He practices law in Seattle, WA. You can learn more about Mr. Davis at. Christopher Davis's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.