Failure-to-yield fines may go up

OLYMPIA – It is state law for drivers to yield to emergency vehicles. However, according to state lawmakers, because of light penalties and little enforcement of the law, many drivers pay no attention to ambulances, firetrucks and police cars rushing to an emergency.

Legislation proposed by Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, aims to make drivers more mindful when they hear sirens blaring and see lights flashing in their rearview mirrors.

Currently there is a $101 fine for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle. The bill, SB 5038, which was heard by the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday afternoon, would make failure to intentionally yield to an emergency vehicle a gross misdemeanor, meaning a violator could receive up to a $5,000 fine and one year in jail.

At the hearing, representatives from the Washington Association of Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs and the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association testified in support of the bill.

John Cullen, one of Honeyford’s constituents, testified that two years ago, he suffered an aortic aneurism while golfing. During his recovery a doctor told him that he nearly died during his ambulance ride because drivers were not getting out of the way.

“None of us get to choose when we are involved in an emergency response situation,” said an emotional Cullen. “Emergency professionals need support from drivers.”

Washington’s penalty is light compared to other states. According to Cullen, the penalty in Texas is up to $500; failing to yield to an emergency vehicle in Illinois could result in up to a $10,000 ticket and two years in jail. California fines violators up to $1,000 and one year in jail.

The Washington Driver’s Guide states: “You must yield the right-of-way to a police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance or other emergency vehicle using a siren, air horn or a red or blue flashing light.”

But Cpl. Dave Reagan of the Spokane Sheriff’s Office said “very few, if any” citations are given out. He’s pessimistic that Honeyford’s bill will help the problem.

“I just hope they would keep the fines at a reasonable level and help fund more (law) enforcement,” he said.

“It seems a little counter-productive,” said Reagan. “They’ll make the fines so expensive that people won’t be able to afford them. Then people will drive with a suspended license. If they get in an accident with a suspended license they could lose their insurance and we’ll have more problems to deal with.”

Honeyford agrees that steeper fines could make some offenders neglect to pay.

“I think that’s true for whatever the offense is,” he said. “But there is a need for stiffer penalties.

“I’ve heard from police officers, firemen, ambulance drivers, all who say, ‘It’s about time.’ “