Traffic Safety Blog

Traffic deaths in Washington reached a 33-year high in 2023 — up from the total in 2022, which was up from the total in 2021. In fact, traffic deaths have steadily increased in the state since 2020.

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Yet, while most of the 810 traffic deaths in 2023 were the result of impaired and distracted driving, too many drivers are being stopped for non-safety related reasons on our roads. Officers in Washington, already stretched thin, are tied up with minor traffic stops for maintenance issues like a broken taillight. And what’s worse, these stops have often been used as fishing expeditions for unnecessary searches of law-abiding citizens. It's a frustrating experience that data shows disproportionately affects drivers of color, often leading to unnecessary tension, racial profiling and discrimination — all without improving public safety.

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It's time we refocus our efforts and limited resources on what truly matters: stopping reckless drivers who put us all in danger, like those who are drunk, distracted, or speeding. That is why our coalition is coming together to reimagine our state’s traffic stop priorities, so that everyone can have a safe experience on our roads.

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A Traffic Safety for All bill, HB 1512, would do just that.

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This Traffic Safety for All legislation prioritizes stops for high-risk safety-related reasons, such as drunk driving, speeding, and other immediate threats to road safety. It would limit officers from stopping drivers for minor non-safety related infractions or maintenance issues such as an expired registration or a broken taillight.

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Officers would still ticket drivers for these reasons – they just won’t be the primary reason for being pulled over. Instead, officers can send a warning to the registered car owner about these maintenance issues along with information about how income-restricted drivers can access state-funded vouchers to bring their car up to code.

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Minor maintenance issues and equipment concerns are inconveniences for drivers, but they are not reckless driving behaviors that pose an immediate safety risk to drivers on our roads. The issue is further complicated when low-income drivers who cannot afford to quickly fix a taillight or renew their registration are then hit with fines and fees that they also cannot afford to pay. Saddling these drivers with more fines and fees only entangles them further into debt, without improving public safety.

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Our coalition is made up of social justice advocates, road safety experts, community members, law enforcement, and other allies who want our roads to be safe for everyone – and we want you to join our movement.

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Our goal is not to change the rules of the road, but to prioritize public safety and make the best use of our state’s limited resources. After all, we all want safer roads, don't we?