Story by John Sattgast, Washington State House Republican Communications
Lawmakers are considering a proposal aimed at reducing deadly crashes on some of Washington’s most dangerous highways.
A bill sponsored by Republican Representative Mark Klicker of Walla Walla would create new “accident risk zones” with tougher penalties and safety measures in high-crash areas.
Klicker says House Bill 2174 focuses on areas with repeated accidents, including parts of Highway 12 and Highway 395 in southeast Washington.
“What we’re trying to do is prevent any type of accident or fatality or serious injury.”
The push comes after deadly crashes, including a recent head-on collision on Highway 12 that killed a family of three, including a baby.
“Right after the last accident of the family that was killed, I’m getting emails and letters and phone calls of people asking, please do something.”
Under the bill, accident risk zones would be removed only after permanent safety improvements are completed.
A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21st, in Olympia.