subject: Washington State Negligent Driving Bill Passes the Senate [print this page] Washington State Negligent Driving Bill Passes the Senate
Bicyclists and pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to injuries suffered in accidents involving motor vehicles. Even when the pedestrian or bicyclist follows all the rules of the road, accidents are possible due to the presence of negligent drivers on our streets. In 2009, 287 pedestrians and 110 bicyclists were seriously injured as a result of drivers who failed to yield, ran a red light, or were not paying attention. Until now, negligent driving in the second degree that causes these accidents has been subject to a traffic ticket carrying a maximum fine of $250. That means that even if a negligent driver causes an accident that results in the death of a pedestrian or cyclist, the only penalty for their negligent driving is a $250 fine while the family of the victim has to deal with a serious injury or even a devastating loss of life. The Washington State Senate has recently taken action to fix this loophole in the law. On February 22nd, SB 5326 passed through the Senate in a 43-5 vote. This bill, which was sponsored by Senator Adam Kline of the state's 37th district, increases the penalty for negligent drivers. Drivers who are found to be the proximate cause of an accident that causes death, serious injury, or substantial injury to a "vulnerable user" of a public road are subject to a fine from $1,000 to $5,000 and a 90 day suspension of their driver's license. Drivers may request a hearing where they can receive an alternate penalty consisting of a $250 fine, 100 hours of community service, and the completion of a traffic safety course. Vulnerable users include pedestrians, cyclists, operators of mopeds or other motorized scooters, equestrians, and tractor drivers. In order to become law, this bill needs to be passed in the house and signed by the governor. Although this bill may make drivers more aware of vulnerable people on the road, it does not eliminate the potential of someone to still drive negligently. This bill is meant to deter negligent driving by creating stricter penalties. This means that pedestrians and bicyclists must still be aware of the dangers of negligent and distracted drivers that plague our roads.Oftentimes there is not much that a law-abiding pedestrian or bicyclist can do to avoid being involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver. As a pedestrian, there are several things you can do to avoid a tragic accident. First, you must obey all traffic signs and signals. You put yourself at much higher risk when you j-walk. Second, by looking both ways before crossing a street, you can avoid pedestrian accidents, which overwhelmingly occur in intersections. Lastly, you must be aware of your surroundings. Don't assume that drivers are paying attention because there are many distracted and negligent drivers on the road.There are a number of ways that bicyclists can increase their safety. Stay off of the sidewalk, protect yourself with a helmet and head/backlights, avoid riding fast, stay out of the blind spot of cars. The best way to significantly lower risk of injury while riding a bicycle on a crowded street is to be aware of your surroundings, and any potential distracted drivers.
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