SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6420
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 Senate Committee On:
Transportation, February 05, 2008
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: Senators Jacobsen, Kohl-Welles, Kilmer, McDermott, Brown, Murray, Kline and Rockefeller.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/29/08, 2/5/08 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Holmquist, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, King, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.
Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)
Background: Washington residents under age 18 are required to take a traffic safety education
course in order to obtain a driver's license, except under very limited circumstances. Courses
may be offered at both high schools and private driver training schools.
The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) sets the basic course requirements for traffic safety
education courses offered in high schools. The Driver's Instructors' Advisory Committee
(Committee) is required to create a basic minimum curriculum for courses offered at private
driver training schools. Both SPI and the Committee are required to include, among other things,
information in driver education courses on the effects of alcohol and drug use on motor vehicle
operators, the proper use of the left-hand lane, and information on motorcycle awareness.
Summary of Bill: Bicycle safety and pedestrian safety are added to the subject areas that must be included in the basic traffic safety education curriculum.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 23, 2008.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Education is a cost-effective way to prevent collisions between vehicles, and pedestrians and bicyclists. Many don't know how to safely drive around pedestrians and bicyclists and this will help change the culture of how people drive.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Ralph Wessels, Bicycle Alliance of Washington; Dana Berg, President, Squeaky Wheels, Bainbridge Island; John Todd, Greater Greenwood Bicycle Safety Coalition; Rebecca Deehr, Feet First; Yoshe Revelle, global citizen; Genesee Adkins, State Policy Director, Transportation Choices Coalition; Gordon Black, Bicycle Alliance of Washington.