OLYMPIA— The Washington Traffic Safety Commission recently released data showing that 800 people lost their lives on Washington roads in 2023—the highest number seen in our state since 1990.
“Speeding and substance use are the leading factors in traffic deaths,” said Rep. Brandy Donaghy, D-Mill Creek. “That’s why I introduced a bill (House Bill 2384) concerning the use of traffic cameras to deter drivers from speeding, the second most common risk factor in fatal crashes in our state.”
Speed contributes to traffic fatalities in two ways. First, it increases the likelihood of a crash since a driver has less time to react and has a narrower field of vision. Second, force increases exponentially with more speed, leading to more deaths.
“This piece of legislation clarifies how cities and counties can opt to establish speed camera programs through local ordinances while maintaining privacy protections and allowing city and county governments to reinvest revenues from traffic camera fines into traffic safety improvements,” said Donaghy. “We all want our loved ones to make it home safely at the end of the day.”
(Credit: LSS Photography)