Washington House Democrats

Legislature approves highway safety measure

March 2, 2006

OLYMPIA – The Legislature approved tougher penalties today to protect motorists from overloaded and unsafe trucks.

“Irresponsible drivers should not continue to endanger others on our highways,” said Rep. Ruth Kagi (D-Lake Forest Park). “We will put those companies and truck drivers on notice that we will not tolerate routine violation of vehicle weight laws and safety standards.”

House Bill 2987 targets repeat violators of vehicle safety and gross weight restriction laws. After a third weight or out of service violation during a 12 month period, the vehicle’s certificate of license registration would be suspended for at least 30 days.

“The goal is to prevent injury and loss of life,” Kagi said, “by keeping trucks that are not in good repair off our roads.”

A fatal accident involving two scientists, Daniel Johnson and Anthony Qamar, the state's seismologist, last October prompted Kagi to strengthen laws and try to prevent further tragedies. Both were driving on Highway 101 near Hoquiam when a logging truck dropped its load on their vehicle. An affidavit stated the company which operated the logging truck often pressured drivers to carry overweight loads and use trucks in need of repair.

Kagi worked closely with the Washington State Patrol and the trucking industry on legislation to reduce accidents that could easily be prevented if highway safety laws were followed.

The state patrol also will be required to develop recommendations:

• To track overweight and safety violations so that repeat offenders are easily identified, and
• To make recommendations to further improve the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles on Washington's highways and roads.

HB 2987 will be sent to the Governor’s desk for approval.

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FOR INTERVIEWS:
Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Lake Forest Park
(360) 786-7910
Kagi.Ruth@leg.wa.gov

Media Staff Contact
Michael Itti
(360) 786-7631
Itti.Michael@leg.wa.gov