A bill for an act relating to the application of certain provisions regarding motor vehicles and law of the road to road workers.
Impact
The passage of SF185 would significantly influence the responsibilities and legal implications for road workers in Iowa. By setting standards for accountability, it establishes that road workers are subject to the law in scenarios where their actions could lead to accidents or injuries. This change not only reflects a shift towards enhanced safety on the roads but also aligns with the state’s broader goals of ensuring public safety during roadwork activities.
Summary
Senate File 185 (SF185) aims to amend the provisions related to motor vehicles and the law of the road specifically concerning road workers. Under current law, road workers and their equipment are generally not subject to certain traffic regulations while engaged in work on highways that are officially closed to traffic. However, SF185 redefines this exemption by making specific provisions of Code chapter 321 applicable to these workers. The bill clarifies that road workers can be held liable for negligence if they cause injury or damage while operating motor vehicles or equipment, thereby creating accountability in their operations.
Contention
While supporters of SF185 argue that it will promote safety and accountability among road workers, there may be concerns about the practical implications of holding workers liable in varied situations. Critics might raise issues regarding operational efficiency during road maintenance, suggesting that imposing stricter regulations could discourage timely roadwork or slow down maintenance efforts. The debate over accountability and public safety versus practical workforce management is likely to be a focal point during discussions surrounding this bill.
A bill for an act relating to nonpedestrian travel on roadways based on lane designations, including the manner of overtaking other vehicles, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SSB 3090.)
A bill for an act relating to nonpedestrian travel on roadways based on lane designations, including the manner of overtaking other vehicles, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2116.)
A bill for an act relating to traffic violations and enforcement, including the use of an electronic device while driving and the use of automated or remote systems for traffic law enforcement, providing penalties, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2595.)
A bill for an act relating to traffic violations and enforcement, including the use of an electronic device while driving and the use of automated or remote systems for traffic law enforcement, providing penalties, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 707.)
A bill for an act relating to additional penalties for certain violations against bicyclists causing serious injury or death committed by a person operating a motor vehicle.(Formerly HF 63.)
A bill for an act relating to additional penalties for certain violations against bicyclists causing serious injury or death committed by a person operating a motor vehicle.(Formerly SF 16.)
A bill for an act relating to additional penalties for certain violations against bicyclists causing serious injury or death committed by a person operating a motor vehicle.(See HF 422.)
A bill for an act relating to additional penalties for certain violations against bicyclists causing serious injury or death committed by a person operating a motor vehicle.(See SF 2115.)