Drivers in Seattle Caught Using Dummies to Access Carpool Lane
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Seattle drivers have been caught in a peculiar attempt to bypass traffic by utilizing dummy passengers to qualify for the carpool lane. Two separate incidents occurred within a day, revealing the lengths some motorists will go to for a smoother commute.
One of the elaborate setups involved a dummy dressed as a woman in a button-up shirt seated prominently in the front passenger seat. In another instance, a dummy hidden in the back seat was clad in a neon jacket and baseball hat. The use of these ‘non-human companions’ was an apparent strategy to meet the occupancy criteria for the carpool lane.
Officer Rick Johnson of the Washington State Patrol disclosed details of the first encounter on a post shared on April 29. The post included an image of the mannequin ‘passenger,’ featuring a long brown wig and a plaid shirt. Humorously, Officer Johnson remarked that the driver had not even bothered to give a name to their faux companion.
Subsequently, on May 1, Johnson publicized another incident where a driver was caught speeding at 92 miles per hour in a 60-mile-per-hour zone with a dummy in the vehicle. The use of dummies or props in the HOV lane is strictly prohibited, with fines starting at $186 and potentially increasing if drivers deliberately deceive authorities through such tactics.
In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Officer Johnson emphasized that Washington state law necessitates the reporting of carpool lane violations to auto insurance companies, ensuring accountability for offenders. While the use of dummies in the carpool lane is not a common occurrence, Johnson highlighted the unusual proximity of these incidents, indicating a level of creativity among some drivers that law enforcement must remain vigilant against.
Drive safely.
Seattle motorists are reminded to adhere to traffic regulations and not resort to deceptive measures like using dummies in the carpool lane. Such actions not only incur fines but also pose risks to road safety. It’s essential for all drivers to respect the rules of the road and prioritize safety for themselves and others.
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