OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington House of Representatives has approved legislation aimed at improving safety on highways with a history of serious crashes.

Lawmakers passed Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6066 on March 6 by a 94–2 vote. The bill, introduced by Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, would allow the creation of “crash prevention zones” in areas where data shows a pattern of serious injury or fatal collisions.

Under the proposal, the Washington State Department of Transportation and local governments could designate specific road corridors as crash prevention zones when crash data shows higher-than-expected rates of severe accidents. Once a zone is established, officials would conduct engineering and traffic investigations to identify potential safety improvements.

Possible changes could include adjusted speed limits, improved lighting or signage, lane modifications, and planning for long-term infrastructure upgrades. Law enforcement agencies would also coordinate increased traffic enforcement within designated zones.

The bill would also allow automated traffic safety cameras to monitor speeding in these areas. Revenue from the cameras would be directed to local accounts used for engineering studies, signage, and other safety improvements within the crash prevention zones.

Torres said the legislation was prompted in part by deadly crashes along U.S. Highway 395 between Pasco and Mesa. According to crash data cited in the proposal, 10 people died along a five-mile stretch of the highway between 2020 and December 2025.

The measure also increases penalties for distracted driving within crash prevention zones by doubling the fine for using a personal electronic device while driving in those areas.

Because the House approved the bill with amendments, it must return to the Senate for concurrence before it can be sent to the governor for consideration.

Washington’s 60-day legislative session is scheduled to conclude March 12.