A new law aimed at making our roads safer will into effect on New Year’s Day.
Starting January 1, 2025, Washington will implement a new law “intended to enhance safety for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals using personal mobility devices.”
The new law means negligent drivers who seriously hurt or kill pedestrians or bicyclists will see harsher penalties.
Under the new law, a negligent driver who kills someone will face a $5,000 fine, up to 364 days in jail, and the suspension of driving privileges for 90 days.
A negligent driver who seriously hurts somebody will face a $5,000 fine, the suspension of driving privileges for 90 days, traffic school, and up to 100 hours of community service.
The law aims to reduce injuries and fatalities from crashes involving non-motorized road users by increasing penalties for negligent drivers.
Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) Shelly Baldwin commented on the new law, saying, “This law is one part of Washington’s ongoing efforts to make our roads safer for everyone. By focusing on protecting our most vulnerable road users, we’re sending a clear message that when you’re the biggest and the fastest, you need to be the safest, too. Everyone has a right to safe passage on our roads, whether they’re in a car, on a bike, or on foot.”
The WTSC plans to run an educational campaign through January to inform drivers and vulnerable road users about the new law and promote safe road-sharing practices. To find out more about this new law and its implementation, visit wtsc.wa.gov/VRU.