BILL REQ. #:  S-1387.1 

Read first time 02/01/2007.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to instructing new drivers on properly securing vehicle loads on public highways; amending RCW 46.82.420; and adding a new section to chapter 28A.220 RCW.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 46.82.420 and 2006 c 219 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The advisory committee shall consult with the department in the development and maintenance of a basic minimum required curriculum and the department shall furnish to each qualifying applicant for an instructor's license or a driver training school license a copy of such curriculum.
     (2) In addition to information on the safe, lawful, and responsible operation of motor vehicles on the state's highways, the basic minimum required curriculum shall include information on:
     (a) Intermediate driver's license issuance, passenger and driving restrictions and sanctions for violating the restrictions, and the effect of traffic violations and collisions on the driving privileges;
     (b) The effects of alcohol and drug use on motor vehicle operators, including information on drug and alcohol related traffic injury and mortality rates in the state of Washington and the current penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; ((and))
     (c) Motorcycle awareness, approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, to ensure new operators of motor vehicles have been instructed in the importance of safely sharing the road with motorcyclists; and
     (d) The requirements for securing vehicle loads on public highways, and applicable penalties for violating these requirements, under RCW 46.61.655, to ensure that new drivers have been instructed in the dangers of improperly securing vehicle loads and the importance of complying with this particular rule of the road.
     (3) Should the director be presented with acceptable proof that any licensed instructor or driver training school is not showing proper diligence in teaching such basic minimum curriculum as required, the instructor or school shall be required to appear before the advisory committee and show cause why the license of the instructor or school should not be revoked for such negligence. If the committee does not accept such reasons as may be offered, the director may revoke the license of the instructor or school, or both.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.220 RCW to read as follows:
     The superintendent of public instruction shall include information on the requirements for securing vehicle loads on public highways, and applicable penalties for violating these requirements, under RCW 46.61.655, in instructional materials used in traffic safety education courses, to ensure that new drivers have been instructed in the dangers of improperly securing vehicle loads and the importance of complying with this particular rule of the road.