Connecticut House Bill HB05185

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/16
• Refer: 2/10/16

Caption

An Act Increasing The Fines For Failing To Yield The Right-of-way To Pedestrians.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05185 would amend sections 14-300 and 14-300d of the general statutes, thereby increasing the penalties associated with failing to yield to pedestrians. This substantial change in legislative language is intended to deter negligent behavior from drivers and promote safer interactions between vehicles and pedestrians. Law enforcement could see a rise in citations issued as a result of the stricter penalties, signaling a stronger commitment to pedestrian rights and safety within the state.

Summary

House Bill 05185 proposes to increase the fines for motorists who fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. This change aims to enhance pedestrian safety by making the penalties for such infractions more severe. The current penalty is classified as an infraction, but the bill seeks to elevate it to a violation, which would not only increase the monetary fines but also potentially affect the legal repercussions for violators. The legislation emphasizes the importance of ensuring that pedestrians have safe passage on roadways.

Contention

While the bill primarily draws support from advocates for pedestrian rights and safety, there may be concerns raised by some motorists and lobbyists representing automotive interests who argue that increased fines could lead to disproportionate penalties for minor infractions. Additionally, discussions may revolve around the effectiveness of stricter fines in changing driver behavior and whether additional educational campaigns regarding pedestrian safety might be a more effective approach. As such, the passage of HB 05185 could spark debates over the appropriateness of punitive measures in improving road safety.