The bill hasn’t been scheduled for a vote, but if it does pass the Legislature as written and is signed into law by the governor, it would go into effect on July 1, 2024
Brett Davis
The Center Square Washington
Under legislation proposed in the Washington state Senate, drivers would face new limits on when it’s permissible to make a right turn at red lights.
Senate Bill 5514 would prohibit drivers from making a right turn on a red light when they are within 1,000 feet of a child care center, public park or playground, recreation center, library, public transit center, hospital, or senior center.
Were the bill to become law, Washington would be the first state in the nation to significantly roll back the right of drivers to turn right at red lights.
The bill’s prime sponsor, Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, explained his thinking during a public hearing before the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.
“This simple change would make intersections safer for children, seniors, and other pedestrians at a time when traffic violence is at a three-decade high,” he told the committee. “The number of traffic-related pedestrian deaths and injuries is increasing at a much higher rate than other road users.”
According to a December preliminary report from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 745 people were killed in crashes in 2022, the highest number of fatalities in the state since 1990.
Lovick’s push to limit right turns on red lights is informed by his 31-year career with the Washington State Patrol, where he saw his share of motor vehicle accidents.
“According to crash data, right turns on red lights disproportionately harm people walking and biking,” he said. “When you’re driving and stopped at a red light preparing for a right-hand turn, the focus is often to your left as you look for a gap between oncoming cars. This can result in less awareness of pedestrians and bicyclists in the crosswalk or intersection to your right.”
SB 5514 was supported by all 10 people who testified before the committee – five who spoke in person and five who spoke by video.
Committee Chair Sen. Marko Liias, D-Everett, reported those signed in for the hearing but not wishing to testify included 476 people in support of the bill, 25 opposed to the bill, and 3 who didn’t take a position on the bill.
The bill hasn’t been scheduled for a vote, but if it does pass the Legislature as written and is signed into law by the governor, it would go into effect on July 1, 2024.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- Letter: Interstate Bridge Replacement $13.6 billion estimate is too low!
Bob Ortblad argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s $13.6 billion cost estimate understates the true expense, citing comparable projects, construction challenges, and engineering assumptions. - Opinion: ‘The drama and the waste of taxpayer money continues’
Rep. John Ley outlines his objections to the approved fixed-span I-5 Bridge design, citing cost concerns, engineering standards, funding uncertainty, and opposition to light rail and tolls. - Coast Guard approves fixed-span design for new Interstate Bridge
The U.S. Coast Guard has approved a fixed-span design for the new Interstate Bridge, clearing a major hurdle for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project. - Business Profile: Handel’s Ice Cream opens its first shop in Washington, in Vancouver
Handel’s Ice Cream has opened its first Washington location in east Vancouver, with a grand opening planned for Jan. 17. - Opinion: Why vote no on the Battle Ground School District levy?
Dick Rylander outlines why he believes voters should reject the Battle Ground School District levy, citing costs, enrollment trends, test results, and district spending priorities. - Letter: The multi-million dollar cash grab in Washington schools
Yacolt resident Mark Rose argues that rising superintendent salaries conflict with classroom cuts and repeated levy requests in Clark County school districts. - Discover your future at WSU Vancouver’s Preview Day, Jan. 24
WSU Vancouver will host a free Preview Day on Jan. 24, offering prospective students and families an inside look at campus life and academic opportunities.
You have got to be kidding. Firstly we don’t need the State dictating driving laws that supercede common sense. Secondly this would make the pedestrian even less responsible for their actions such as just walking into an intersection without even looking because they know they’re safe. Thirdly how would the various “No Turn Zone” facilities be identified at the corner so the driver is aware. All in all a really not well thought thru idea.
I wish they would make it illegal to run red lights. That’s what I witness daily. “When you’re driving and stopped at a red light preparing for a right-hand turn, the focus is often to your left as you look for a gap between oncoming cars” (AND WAITING FOR THOSE RED LIGHT RUNNERS).