SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6288

BYSenators Lee and Talmadge

Raising the penalties for speeding in school zones or failing to yield to pedestrians.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1988; February 5, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6288 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, McMullen, Metcalf, Owen, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Cathy Mayo (786-7304)

                  February 5, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 5, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Legislative Assembly of the Washington State Parent- Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) has requested the Legislature to address what they consider to be a growing problem of excessive vehicle speed in the vicinity of school or playground crosswalks.

Current law requires a vehicle to yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the road as to be in danger.  Violation of this law is a traffic infraction.

The PTSA Association is recommending an increase in the penalties as a deterrent to the increasing violations. 

The maximum penalty for a class 1 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW is $250, not including statutory assessments.

SUMMARY:

A vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the road as to be in danger.

It is unlawful for the operator of any vehicle to drive in excess of twenty miles per hour either inside or outside an incorporated city or town when passing any marked school or playground crosswalk when fully posted with standard school or playground speed limit signs. 

The speed zone at a cross walk shall be in effect at all times, regardless of whether school is in session or whether children are present.

A violation of this section is a class 1 civil infraction.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The speed zone at the school or playground crosswalk shall be in effect when school is in session or when children are present, rather than being effective 24 hours per day.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 28, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Talmadge, sponsor