BILL REQ. #:  S-1738.1 

Read first time 02/21/2005.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to a study of hazards of unused trailer hitches; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The Washington traffic safety commission shall conduct a study regarding the safety hazards, and potential property damage, resulting from the failure to remove unused trailer hitches from motor vehicles. At a minimum, the study must include the estimated frequency at which motorists fail to remove trailer hitches when not in use, the potential hazards this activity presents to pedestrians, and the estimated cost of property damage that results from protruding unused trailer hitches. Additionally, the study must include the estimated degree to which law enforcement efforts are directed at this issue. Finally, in conducting the study, the commission shall consider the applicability of RCW 46.37.517, prohibiting certain vehicle protrusions hazardous to pedestrians, and whether, given the breadth of the statute, legislative recommendations are in order. The commission shall submit results, including any legislative recommendations, to the transportation committees of the legislature by January 1, 2006.