New penalties may soon be in place for drivers who ignore emergency road closures and put first responders at risk.
Lawmakers in the state House of Representatives gave overwhelming approval to a bill by Representative Joshua Penner of Orting that would increase penalties for drivers who go around emergency barricades.
Penner says the issue became clear during December’s flooding, when crews repeatedly had to rescue motorists who ignored road closures.
“A lot of those rescues were folks that had driven around barricades that were erected to let folks know not to drive through standing water. It’s a very dangerous situation when folks drive around these emergency barricades.”
Penner, a Republican from the 31st District, says the bill adds real consequences for drivers whose decisions force risky rescue operations.
“If somebody does drive around an erected barricade, now there’s a little bit more in line for them. There is the potential of a misdemeanor.”
The bill passed the House and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
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Washington State House Republican Communications