In light of worsening safety conditions on Washington’s roads and highways in recent years, several bills have come forward this session to propose greater safety measures be put in place. One such proposal, SB 5514, from Sen. John Lovick (D–Mill Creek), prohibits drivers from making a right turn at a red light when in proximity to certain facilities.

Specifically, the bill prohibits a right turn on a red light within 1,000 feet of:

• Elementary or secondary schools,
• Childcare centers,
• Public parks or playgrounds,
• Recreation centers or facilities,
• Libraries,
• Public transit centers,
• Hospitals,
• Senior centers, and
• Any other facility with high levels of pedestrian traffic as determined by the appropriate local jurisdiction or the Department of Transportation.

The legislation directs the Traffic Safety Commission to conduct a public awareness campaign to inform Washington citizens about the new prohibition. It also requires the state Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions to erect signs at the affected intersections. This provision has raised concerns about the potential for creating a backlog of signage requests and thus a delay in implementation.

AWC supports the intent of the bill but recommends pushing the implementation date out to allow cities the opportunity to order and install signs.

Date to remember

SB 5514 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, January 31 at 4 pm.