As of January 1, 2025, Washington State rolled out a new negligent driving law designed to better protect pedestrians, bicyclists, and others who rely on personal mobility devices. The goal is to make roads safer and prevent unnecessary injuries and fatalities.
The law focuses on holding negligent drivers accountable when they cause car accidents. Negligence, in this case, means failing to exercise reasonable care in a way that puts others at risk. If that negligence leads to a tragedy, such as the death of a vulnerable road user, the consequences are severe.
For example, offenders could face a $5,000 fine, spend up to 364 days in jail, and have their driving privileges suspended for 90 days. Plus, offenders could be required to complete up to 100 hours of community service and mandatory traffic safety education.
What will the new negligent driving law entail?
Shelly Baldwin, Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), stressed the importance of the new law.
"This law is one part of Washington’s ongoing efforts to make our roads safer for everyone. By focusing on protecting our most vulnerable road users, we’re sending a clear message that when you’re the biggest and the fastest, you need to be the safest, too. Everyone has a right to safe passage on our roads, whether they’re in a car, on a bike, or on foot," said Baldwin.
To spread awareness, the WTSC has launched an educational campaign. The focus is on helping drivers and vulnerable road users understand the new law and encouraging safe practices for sharing the road.
What are examples of negligent driving?
A lot of car accidents in Washington State are 100% avoidable if drivers choose to operate in a way that is safe and prudent. However, many drivers cause car accidents by engaging in these negligent behaviors:
- Driving while distracted by a phone
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Following another vehicle too closely
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Ignoring bicycle lanes or failing to give cyclists adequate space
- Failing to use turn signals when changing lanes or turning
- Reckless merging or unsafe lane changes
- Driving while fatigued
- Ignoring school bus stop signs
- Failing to maintain a vehicle properly
- Not stopping for emergency vehicles
How does negligent driving affect vulnerable road users?
Negligent driving can have devastating consequences for vulnerable road users such as bicyclists, pedestrians, and individuals using personal mobility devices. These individuals lack the physical protection that vehicles provide, leaving them more exposed to injuries and fatalities when crashes occur.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,522 pedestrians were killed by negligent drivers in 2022. That same year, the NHTSA reported 1,105 bicyclist deaths on U.S. roads. Even those who survive being hit by a car suffer serious, and sometimes life-changing, injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Cuts, lacerations, and abrasions
- Soft tissue sprains and strains
- Facial injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Count on Colin if you've been injured in an accident
If you’ve been injured in a car, pedestrian, or bicycle accident or lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve answers and compensation for your losses. The Scott Law Firm, PLLC in Vancouver, WA, has seen the physical, emotional, and financial toll a traffic accident can cause. We have helped countless crash victims and families get justice and rebuild their lives after a catastrophe, and our case results prove it.
When you work with our law firm, you gain an advocate who is committed to holding negligent parties accountable. We can thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case, from reviewing crash reports to consulting with crash reconstruction experts. Plus, we can accurately calculate your damages and negotiate with insurance companies for a maximum settlement. Best of all, our services are offered on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
Your path to justice starts with a simple step: a free consultation. During this meeting, we’ll listen to your story, assess your case, and provide clear guidance on your legal options—all at no cost to you. To get started, contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
"I had a great experience with Colin as my personal injury lawyer. He is professional, easy to work with, and very responsive-I was able to receive my settlement in a timely manner, and [it] exceeded my expectations as well...thanks, Colin!" - Maggie, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐