Relating To The Traffic Code.
If enacted, HB 1319 will significantly alter how traffic regulations are applied in Hawaii, specifically benefiting individuals who use bicycles, motorcycles, and mopeds. By enabling these operators to proceed through red lights under certain circumstances, the law not only aims to improve safety but also to promote more efficient traffic flow during late-night hours when traffic is typically lighter. Conditions included in the bill stipulate that the operator must stop fully at the intersection, wait for a reasonable time, and yield to any imminent traffic, promoting due care while facilitating movement. These provisions reflect a balance between safety for vulnerable road users and the need to maintain order in traffic.
House Bill 1319 aims to amend Hawaii's traffic code by introducing provisions that allow operators of bicycles, motorcycles, and mopeds to legally proceed through intersections on a steady red signal during specific hours—between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.—if the traffic signal is controlled by a vehicle detection device that fails to detect them due to their size. This 'dead red law' is inspired by similar legislation adopted in various states and seeks to reduce hazards faced by these smaller vehicles at intersections where they may otherwise be left waiting indefinitely for a signal change. The bill recognizes the limitations of existing traffic signal technology and proposes a solution to enhance the safety and mobility of non-motorized and lighter motorcycle users.
There may be points of contention surrounding HB 1319, particularly in relation to concerns about the potential for increased accidents if drivers misinterpret the bill’s allowances. Critics may argue that allowing vehicles to move through red signals could lead to unsafe conditions if not carefully monitored. Moreover, the bill's effectiveness will depend heavily on the existing infrastructure and the reliability of vehicular detection devices. Some may call for more comprehensive measures addressing traffic signal technology upgrades before legalizing such a provision, while advocates will push for swift implementation to address ongoing safety issues on the road.