VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5116-S

                        March 26, 1992

To the Honorable, the Senate

  of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 4, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5116 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to transportation safety."

      Substitute Senate Bill No. 5116 is the product of work by the task force on school bus safety.   It includes several excellent provisions to assist law enforcement personnel in enforcing school bus stop laws and enhancing school bus safety.  I applaud and fully support these provisions.

      However, section 4 would change current Washington State Patrol rules to allow school buses to utilize their hazard strobe lamps regardless of whether it is warranted by hazardous conditions.  Studies indicate that overuse of hazard warning lights ultimately diminishes their effectiveness.  For this reason, I have vetoed section 4 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5116.

      With the exception of section 4, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5116 is approved.

                        Respectfully submitted,

                        Booth Gardner

                        Governor