The Washington traffic Safety Commission reported that on January 1, 2025, Washington State will implement a new law intended to enhance safety for “Vulnerable Road Users” such as pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals using personal mobility devices.
The law aims to reduce injuries and fatalities from crashes involving non-motorized road users by increasing penalties for negligent drivers. A negligent driver is generally considered to be a person who fails to exercise ordinary care, which then endangers another person.
In the past decade traffic fatalities of vulnerable road users have increased dramatically. Since 2014 annual deaths of vulnerable people on our roads more than doubled. These aren’t just numbers; they’re people in our communities – neighbors, friends, and family.
WHAT IS A VULNERABLE ROAD USER?
Vulnerable road users are people on our roads and sidewalks that don’t have the protection of a vehicle’s cage to keep them safe. This includes people walking, biking, riding scooters and skateboards, using mobility aids, riding motorcycles, traveling by horseback, and even driving a tractor without a protective shell.
NEGLIGENT DRIVING
By statute, a person drives negligently when they fail to exercise ordinary care. To determine negligence, the law compares the action of a driver to a reasonably careful person. Did the driver do something a reasonably careful person wouldn’t do, or did the driver fail to do something a reasonably careful person would do? And did that driver endanger or likely endanger any person or property?
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES OF VIOLATING THIS NEW LAW?
Under the new law, penalties for a negligent driver who causes the death of a vulnerable road user include:
- A fine of $5,000
- Up to 364 days in jail
- Suspension of driving privileges for 90 days
Penalties for a negligent driver who seriously injures a vulnerable road user may include:
- A fine of $5,000
- Suspension of driving privileges for 90 days
- Traffic school
- Up to 100 hours of community service
“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.” ~Shelly Baldwin, Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC)
The WTSC will run an educational campaign through January to inform drivers and vulnerable road users about the new law and promote safe road-sharing practices.
Please contact my office if you, a friend or family member are charged with Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving or any other crime. Hiring an effective and competent defense attorney is the first and best step toward justice.
