House passes Griffey's safety rest areas bill

Matt Baide | Feb 17, 20220

Rep. Dan Griffey’s bill to reopen safety rest areas throughout the state as soon as possible passed the House unanimously.

According to a news release, House Bill 1655 passed Feb. 9. The bill would keep roads safe by allowing all drivers to use safety rest areas immediately, which is a growing safety concern throughout the country. The problem was exacerbated in the state due to the state government closing of many state-owned and operated safety rest areas in fall 2021 due to the pandemic.

“We need to pass this bill now. It’s going to save lives,” Griffey, R-Allyn, said in a news release. “There are already too many safety hazards on our roadways, without having to worry about semitrucks precariously parked on the side of busy freeways and highways. Our truck drivers need to be able to safely park and rest as mandated by law. Almost every good we use, including food, medical equipment and medications spends time on a truck. We can’t overlook the value of truck drivers and the service they provide. Opening these rest areas will prevent serious and fatal injuries and make our roads safer for everyone. It will also keep our economy moving.”

The bill moves to the Senate for further consideration.

According to the House Bill analysis, the state Department of Transportation owns and operates 47 safety rest areas across the state. In January, two safety rest areas were closed on Interstate-5 near the Canadian border for three months due to lack of staff and one rest area on southbound I-5 near Everett was closed indefinitely for maintenance. Five other safety rest areas closed due to weather conditions, which the bill permits.