Conquering Enumclaw's Hills
šļø
MR. LAWSON:
"This might seem simple, but it's where many new drivers make mistakes."
When you can't see over the crest, danger could be 50 feet away
ā ļø The Hidden Danger Over Hills
When you can't see over a hill, there could be a stopped car, deer, or accident just out of sight!
Caution š„ 45 mph
Dangerous
Safest
šÆ Test Each Speed - What Happens Over the Hill?
Stop:
š Real World Example:
At mph approaching a hill crest, you're going slow enough to stop for hazards - exactly what RCW 46.61.400 requires. At mph going uphill, you mightCANNOT stop before the crest! Downhill? Gravity adds 5-10 mph to your actual speed! At mph on SR-410's hills, PHYSICS WORKS AGAINST YOU! Uphill = blind crests. Downhill = brake fade + longer stopping. October 2024 fatal crash at Mud Mountain Dam: driver going "much faster" killed 2.
šØ Why 45 MPH Kills on Enumclaw Hills
- ā¢ SR-410 Mile 34: 7% grade + curves = Oct 2024 double fatality from speed
- ā¢ Chinook Pass descent: 8 miles downhill = brake fade risk at 45 mph
- ā¢ Crystal Mountain junction: Uphill blind crest hides merging ski traffic
- ā¢ Mud Mountain Dam Road: Steep grade + gravity = 45 becomes 55 mph
- ā¢ Federation Forest curves: Morning fog + hills = 50ft visibility
ā ļø Physics Makes Hills Deadly at 45 MPH
- ā¢ Uphill at 45: Can't see 200ft ahead, need 150ft to stop
- ā¢ Downhill at 45: Gravity adds 7-10 mph to actual speed
- ā¢ Curves + hills: Two forces fighting your tires' grip
- ā¢ October rain: Hydroplaning starts at 40 mph on slopes
- ā¢ Morning fog (5-8am): 38% of fog crashes, visibility under 50ft
šÆ The Hill Crest Safety Protocol - Click Each Card to Learn
1. Ease Off Gas
Before the crest
Slow Down Early!
- ā¢ Lift foot off gas pedal
- ā¢ Let engine slow you naturally
- ā¢ Cover brake with foot
- ā¢ Reduce speed by 5-10 mph
2. Scan Edges
Look for movement
Watch the Sides!
- ā¢ Scan both road edges
- ā¢ Look for deer/animals
- ā¢ Check for cyclists
- ā¢ Watch for stopped vehicles
3. Right Lane
Stay predictable
Stay Positioned!
- ā¢ Keep right lane position
- ā¢ Don't drift to center
- ā¢ Maintain steady path
- ā¢ Be visible to others
"Assume there's always something stopped just over the crest!"