Washington State Representative Mark Klicker addressed public concerns on April 22 regarding confusion about the recently passed “Crash Reduction Zone” law and a new speed limit change on US-395 north of Pasco.
The issue has gained attention because residents have been contacting Klicker’s office with questions and complaints about a recent reduction in the speed limit by five miles per hour between Pasco and Mesa. Many assumed this change was directly linked to Senate Bill 6066, which was passed by the Washington State Legislature in response to multiple fatal crashes in that area.
Klicker clarified that Senate Bill 6066 does not impose any specific speed restrictions or details on local authorities. Instead, he said, “It is a very broad law that gives power back to local cities and counties in Washington State so they can identify and address trouble spots like the one on US-395.” The bill, which goes into effect June 11, allows local governments—after gathering public input—to create Crash Prevention Zones (CPZs) on roads with high rates of serious collisions. Once designated as a CPZ, traffic studies will be conducted to determine possible safety improvements.
Under the new law, enforcement can be increased within these zones to catch reckless drivers. Additional penalties for using hand-held cell phones within CPZs will fund recommended safety improvements for those areas. While three areas are initially listed for CPZ designation, this option will become available statewide starting in 2029.
Klicker emphasized that the recent five-mile-per-hour speed reduction was implemented by the Washington State Department of Transportation independently from Senate Bill 6066. He stated, “The newly imposed speed change has absolutely nothing to do with the passing of the new Crash Reduction Zone law.” Decisions regarding further changes or improvements will not begin until after SB 6066 takes effect later this June.
Looking ahead, Klicker said significant changes are needed for dangerous stretches like US-395 but stressed that decisions such as building an overpass or making larger reductions in speed limits are yet to be discussed by local governments once they gain authority under the new legislation.
