Connecticut House Bill HB06062

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/21
• Refer: 1/28/21

Caption

An Act Increasing Pedestrian Safety.

Impact

By increasing the penalties for failing to yield, the bill seeks to enhance the protection of pedestrians. This could lead to safer crossing experiences and promote more widespread compliance with pedestrian right-of-way laws. Additionally, the bill mandates the Commissioner of Transportation to establish a pilot program for testing three-dimensional crosswalk technology, which is intended to improve visibility and awareness of crosswalks for drivers.

Summary

House Bill 6062, titled 'An Act Increasing Pedestrian Safety', was introduced to address the alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities and accidents. The bill proposes two main actions: first, to amend section 14-300 of the general statutes to raise penalties for drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at designated crosswalks. This change aims to create a stronger deterrent against negligent driving behaviors that endanger pedestrian lives.

Contention

While the bill's objectives are aimed at increasing pedestrian safety, potential contentions may arise surrounding the increased enforcement and penalties. Concerns may be voiced by transportation and civil rights advocates about the implications of heightened penalties on poorer drivers or those who might inadvertently violate the yield law. Moreover, the effectiveness of three-dimensional crosswalk technology could be debated, particularly regarding its practicality and cost versus benefit in real-world applications.