OLYMPIA — The Washington State House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday to decrease traffic fatalities, according to an announcement from the bill’s primary sponsor Rep. Brandy Donaghy, D-Mill Creek.

House Bill 2384 concerns the use of traffic cameras to crack down on speeding, the second most common risk factor in fatal crashes in our state, according to the announcement. Speed contributes to traffic fatalities in two ways: first, it increases the likelihood of a crash since a driver has less time to react and has a narrower field of vision; and second, force increases exponentially with more speed, leading to more deaths.  

“Studies show that fixed camera sites can reduce injury by up to 25% and fatalities by up to 32%. People aware of where speed cameras are also less likely to drive recklessly. We all want our loved ones to make it home safely at the end of the day and this piece of legislation is one step towards making that a reality for everyone right here at home,” Donaghy wrote in the announcement.  

HB 2384 passed off the House floor today with a vote of 58-39. All of the representatives whose districts include Grant and Adams counties voted against it, except Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger, who was excused. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.