Connecticut House Bill HB05635

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/15
• Refer: 1/20/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Designation Of Roads As "accident Zones".

Impact

If enacted, this legislation will amend existing statutes relating to traffic laws and municipal authority. By establishing 'accident zones', municipalities will be empowered to both increase the visibility of hazardous areas and enforce stricter penalties for violations. The financial implications of this bill are particularly noteworthy, as it stipulates that fines imposed in these zones will be doubled, with half of the proceeds benefiting local municipalities while the other half goes to the state. This dual revenue stream may provide towns with greater resources to invest in road improvements and safety measures.

Summary

House Bill 05635 aims to improve road safety by requiring towns to designate certain road sections with high volumes of motor vehicle accidents as 'accident zones.' This designation will lead to the installation of signs indicating these zones and will result in heightened penalties for traffic violations that occur within these specified areas. The bill seeks to increase awareness among drivers about potentially dangerous stretches of road, thereby promoting safer driving behaviors.

Contention

While the bill's primary goal is to enhance road safety, it may face opposition regarding the implementation of additional regulations on local jurisdictions. Critics might argue that the designation of roads as accident zones could lead to an unjust financial burden on drivers and create a perception of increased policing by towns. Moreover, there could be discussions about the criteria used to classify roads into accident zones, as differing interpretations may lead to inconsistencies in enforcement and potential inequities in how fines are levied across municipalities.