Requires oncoming traffic on a two lane road with a continuous left turn lane to stop for school buses. (8/1/16)
The passage of SB 379 will amend Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 32:80(C), which addresses how vehicles should interact with school buses on highways. By specifying that highways with dedicated left-turn lanes are no longer classified as divided highways, the bill effectively requires all vehicles on these roads to stop for school buses, increasing compliance and safety measures in areas frequented by children. This alteration in state law is aimed directly at preventing accidents involving school buses and improving overall road safety.
Senate Bill 379 seeks to enhance the safety of school children by mandating that drivers must stop for school buses on two-lane roads that have a dedicated left-turn lane. Under this legislation, the existing provisions which exempt drivers from stopping for school buses under certain conditions are amended. This change aims to provide better protection for students getting on or off school buses, thereby promoting a safer environment for children in transit during school hours.
Overall sentiment surrounding SB 379 was largely positive, with many legislators and community advocates supporting the bill as a necessary step toward enhancing the safety of children. Advocates highlighted the importance of stringent traffic laws that prioritize child safety, while opponents raised concerns about the possible implications of increased traffic stops on flow and efficiency. However, the general consensus leaned towards the necessity of this bill given the potential dangers posed by vehicle interaction with school buses.
Some contention arose from the specifics of implementation and potential enforcement challenges. Critics raised points about how strictly the law could be enforced and whether it would lead to confusion among drivers, especially in areas where two-lane roads with left-turn lanes are common. Moreover, questions about the adequacy of public awareness campaigns to educate drivers on the new rules and their implications were also part of the discussions surrounding the enactment of this legislation.