Effort to make roads safer wins bipartisan support

R ENEÉ D IAZ

WASHINGTON STATE JOURNAL

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and Gov. Jay Inslee say they are backing a package of new laws aimed at protecting workers, pedestrians, and commuters.

New bills would include reducing the blood alcohol concentration limit for operating a vehicle when driving, imposing more restrictions on high-risk drivers, and requiring a skills course for young and older drivers.

Amber Weilert, a mother from Parkland, described how her son was struck and killed in a crosswalk while riding his bicycle.

“I am here to be Michael’s voice to support him and make sure that this doesn’t happen again,” Weilert said.

She asked lawmakers to think about her son and pleaded with lawmakers to make roads safer.

Lawmakers from both parties expressed support.

“I’m here because safety isn’t a partisan issue. It’s about all of us working together,” said Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima. “When you look at a list of bills that are here, most of them may have a Democrat sponsor, but I can tell you there are numerous Republican names right