HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2564


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation

Title: An act relating to adding bicyclist and pedestrian safety information to drivers' education curriculum.

Brief Description: Adding bicyclist and pedestrian safety information to drivers' education curriculum.

Sponsors: Representatives Upthegrove, Pedersen, VanDeWege, Ormsby, Hunt, Wood, McIntire, Roberts, Hudgins, Jarrett, Rolfes, Kagi, Chase and Simpson.

Brief History:

Transportation: 1/29/08, 2/6/08 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Adds bicycle and pedestrian safety to the list of items that must be part of the driver training curriculums developed by the Department of Licensing and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 19 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Appleton, Campbell, Dickerson, Eddy, Hudgins, Jarrett, Loomis, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Smith, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace, Williams and Wood.

Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Herrera, Kristiansen, Rodne and Warnick.

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) is responsible for overseeing the commercial driver training school program. Driver training schools must meet standards set by the DOL, and driver training schools must be annually approved by the DOL.

The driver instructors' advisory committee reviews and updates the curriculum for driver training schools. The advisory committee also updates the instructor certification standards, taking into consideration the standards set by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

The DOL is responsible for providing the driver training school curriculum to each applicant for an instructor or driver training school permit. In addition to information on the safe, lawful, and responsible operation of motor vehicles, the curriculum must include information regarding the intermediate driver's license restrictions and sanctions, the effects of alcohol and drug use on motor vehicle operators, and the importance of safely sharing the road with motorcycles.

If an instructor or school fails to teach the basic minimum curriculum, the DOL may revoke the license of the instructor or school, or both.

Traffic safety education is also available to students in many school districts in the state. Historically, these programs have been funded through a mixture of funds provided by the state, the school district, and individual students' families.

The OSPI is required to adopt the necessary rules and regulations governing the operation and scope of the traffic safety education program, and define the classroom and laboratory student learning experiences that must be satisfactorily completed by a student in order to successfully complete a traffic safety education course.


Summary of Bill:

Bicycle safety and pedestrian safety are added to the list of items that must be part of the driver training curriculums developed by the DOL and the OSPI.

The act is named for Matthew "Tatsuo" Nakata.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Bicyclist and pedestrian safety should be included in the materials provided during driver training. By doing so, this bill would make people both safer drivers and safer bicyclists or pedestrians. Drivers need to be made aware of the increasing numbers of bicyclists and pedestrians and how to treat them appropriately. Safer drivers means a safer environment for everyone on the road.

Mathew Nakata was a pedestrian who was killed in a collision last year, thus it is appropriate that this act be named for him.

We're encouraging people to ride or walk to work. Seattle is working on master plans for both bicyclists and pedestrians. Passage of this bill would be another important step in improving safety in Seattle and throughout the state.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Upthegrove, prime sponsor; Jan Drago, Seattle City Council; Michael D. Manderville and Gordon Black, Bicycle Alliance of Washington; Genesee Adkins, Transportation Choices Coalition; and Lori Williams.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.