OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new state law is on the horizon, hoping to crack down on dangerous driving.

Starting on Jan. 1, fines and penalties will be increasing for negligent driving that results in a serious injury or death.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission says that negligent driving accidents involving vulnerable road users have increased significantly over the past decade. Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and wheelchair users.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission defines a negligent driver as someone who is not reasonably careful and whose actions put others at risk.

Under the new law, maximum fines will increase to $5,000 and a 90-day license suspension. Those who are found guilty of killing a person due to negligent driving could also spend nearly a year in prison.