Louisiana House Bill HCR127

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/5/14
• Refer: 5/6/14
• Report Pass: 5/12/14
• Engrossed: 5/19/14
• Passed: 5/21/14

Caption

Urges and requests the office of public safety and corrections to study the feasibility of requiring oncoming traffic on a two lane road with a continuous left turn lane to stop for school buses

Impact

If enacted, the resolution would set into motion a formal assessment of the current laws governing traffic behavior around school buses. This could lead to significant changes in traffic regulations, enhancing safety measures for school bus passengers. The study is expected to consider accident statistics involving school buses and the potential consequences of modifying existing traffic laws to require oncoming traffic to halt when a school bus is present. The implications of this resolution could extend to alterations in driver behavior across Louisiana's roadways, aimed at reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 127 (HCR127) urges the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections to conduct a study on the feasibility of requiring oncoming traffic on multi-lane highways with a continuous two-way left turn lane to stop for school buses. This resolution reflects a growing concern about the safety of school bus passengers, particularly as more families depend on school buses for transportation. A comprehensive examination of the safety implications related to traffic behavior near stationary school buses is vital for ensuring the safety of students boarding and alighting from the buses.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HCR127 appears to be positive, as it addresses critical safety concerns for school children. The request for a study is widely seen as a proactive measure to reinforce traffic safety laws. Legislators and supporters of the resolution likely view it as an essential step towards ensuring that students have a safe means of transportation. The support in the Senate, where the vote resulted in 35 yeas and no nays, indicates a strong consensus on the importance of protecting school bus passengers, suggesting that this is a unifying issue.

Contention

While the resolution does not specifically outline legislative changes, it raises questions about the enforcement of traffic laws and the responsibilities of drivers on highways. Notable points of contention may arise regarding the practicality of enforcing such a rule and whether it could lead to increased traffic congestion or confusion among drivers. Additionally, there may be discussions on the adequacy of existing traffic laws and how they balance the needs of safety for school bus passengers with the efficient flow of highway traffic.