EDITORIAL: Liability insurance for motorcycles will soon be law

April 25-- Apr. 25--In order to legally drive a car or truck in Washington state a person must have liability insurance. It's a reasonable mandate that protects us all in the event of an unfortunate traffic accident.

Yet, as astonishing as this might sound, motorcycle riders were not required to carry liability insurance.

That's going to change in a little over three months as the Gov. Jay Inslee recently signed into law legislation sponsored by Rep. Bill Jenkin, R-Prosser (who represents Walla Walla and Columbia counties).

"People are surprised to learn that motorcycle operators are not required to have liability insurance," Jenkin said. "My bill (HB 1014) simply requires those operating a motorcycle to meet the insurance requirements, or equivalent for registered motor vehicles under current law. When someone gets property damage, or in an accident, with an uninsured motorcyclist, they are stuck filing a claim and potentially paying a higher premium. Having motorcycles insured, just like other vehicles, makes sense."

It does indeed.

Frankly, it borders on irresponsible that motorcycles were not included with the liability mandate along with cars and trucks. Motorcycles are involved in accidents just like every other vehicle with an engine and the damage caused, as well as injuries, is just as severe.

Good for Jenkin for coming across this glaring omission of common sense and then taking action to fix the law.

The legislation, which will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns for the year, will protect all Washington motorists from getting stuck with paying for an accident that wasn't their fault.

Editorials are the opinion of the Union-Bulletin's Editorial Board. The board is composed of Brian Hunt, Rick Eskil, James Blethen and Alasdair Stewart

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