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Armstrong bill would require
use of
headlights on two-lane highways
Wenatchee lawmaker introduces bill on behalf of
Peshastin woman
Motorists driving on
two-lane highways in the state of Washington would be required to have
their headlights turned on under a bill introduced this week in the
House of Representatives by
Rep. Mike
Armstrong.
"I can tell you from all
the driving I do between Wenatchee and Olympia that if people do not
have their headlights on, they're not being seen," said Armstrong,
R-Wenatchee. "It's a serious safety issue. If we can get people to turn
on their lights in the daytime on these two-lane highways, I'm certain
more accidents can be avoided and more lives can be saved."
Armstrong received the
suggestion for a new law from Peshastin resident Bernice Smith, whose
relative was involved in an accident last year in Chelan County.
Armstrong said such accidents often occur because the color of vehicles,
especially if they are dark blue or gray, blend in with the road.
Under Armstrong's measure,
House Bill 1390 would require every vehicle driving on a two-lane
highway to display lighted headlights and dedicated daytime running
lights at all times.
"Every time my husband and
I went somewhere, we'd say, 'There really ought to be a law.'" said
Smith. "But I knew there wouldn't be unless someone did something about
it. So I called Representative Armstrong's office."
"I'm very glad to be
hearing from Bernice Smith and other constituents who might have
suggestions. Some of the best laws come from ideas communicated to us
from citizens," said Armstrong. "I'm hoping we can move this legislation
forward to provide more visibility on our two-lane highways and prevent
accidents."
The measure has been
referred to the House Transportation Committee.
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For more information, contact: John
Sattgast, Information Officer - (360) 786-7257
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