The Washington Guest Statute

The Washington Guest Statute has survived seven years, four legislative sessions and thirteen opinions comparatively unscathed, and while an appraisal of its results cannot be adequate without statistical information as to the actions which were not brought because of its provisions, it is at least possible, on the basis of this rather limited material and experience, to point out what has been done with it and what problems lie ahead. It is proposed to discuss two of the questions which it raises: The meaning of the term "invited guest or licensee without payment for such transportation," thereby regretfully but unavoidably being drawn into the joint adventure controversy, and the nature of the conduct on the part of. the host which will render him liable to the guest.