SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL - Record No: Res 31618

• Record No: Res 31618
• Version: 2
• Type: Resolution (Res)
• Status: Adopted
• Current Controlling Legislative Body: City Clerk
• On agenda: 9/28/2015
• Title: A RESOLUTION endorsing recommendations for improving the City of Seattle's traffic incident management response; affirming the City's commitment to traffic safety and mobility; recognizing the application of the state's "Steer It Clear It" law, RCW 46.52.020(2)(a), and "Hold Harmless" law, RCW 46.52.020(2)(b), to drivers and police officers in the City; and directing the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to pursue an extension of the "Hold Harmless" protection to Seattle Department of Transportation traffic incident response personnel.
• Sponsors: Tom Rasmussen
• Supporting documents: 1. Att A - Traffic Incident Management Report, 2. Summary and Fiscal Note, 3. Traffic Incident Management Presentation (added 9/23/15), 4. Traffic Incident Management Consultant Recommendations: September 2015 Status, 5. Proposed Substitute Resolution (added 9/23/15), 6. Signed Resn 31618

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
10/5/2015	2	City Clerk	attested by City Clerk
10/5/2015	2	Mayor	returned
10/2/2015	2	Mayor	Signed
9/29/2015	2	City Clerk	submitted for Mayor's signature
9/28/2015	1	City Council	adopted	Pass
9/22/2015	1	Transportation Committee	adopt as amended	Pass
9/21/2015	1	City Council	referred
9/16/2015	1	Council President's Office	sent for review
9/15/2015	1	City Clerk	sent for review

CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION _________________

title
A RESOLUTION endorsing recommendations for improving the City of Seattle's traffic incident management response; affirming the City's commitment to traffic safety and mobility; recognizing the application of the state's "Steer It Clear It" law, RCW 46.52.020(2)(a), and "Hold Harmless" law, RCW 46.52.020(2)(b), to drivers and police officers in the City; and directing the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to pursue an extension of the "Hold Harmless" protection to Seattle Department of Transportation traffic incident response personnel.
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WHEREAS, a March 25, 2015 truck collision on State Route 99 created a blockage of an
unacceptable duration, adversely affecting the commute and commerce in the region; and
WHEREAS, Seattle roadways and transit corridors must be effectively managed; and
WHEREAS, safely and quickly clearing traffic incidents may increase responder safety by reducing responders' exposure time to traffic; and
WHEREAS, shorter incident duration and improved traffic control may enhance motorist safety by reducing the length of lane blockages and road closures that can lead to secondary collisions; and
WHEREAS, shorter incident duration reduces the societal costs of congestion, including lost time and extra fuel costs incurred when the traveling public are caught in traffic congestion; and
WHEREAS, RCW 46.52.020(2)(a), the "Steer It Clear It" law, states that "[t]he driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person or damage to other property must move the vehicle as soon as possible off the roadway or freeway main lanes, shoulders, medians, and adjacent areas to a location on an exit ramp shoulder, the frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street, or other suitable location. The driver shall remain at the suitable location until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (3) of this ...