Urges and requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to study a possible change or increase in penalties for drivers who injure or kill pedestrians or cyclists
If enacted, the recommendations from the study group could lead to substantial changes in state laws concerning vehicular negligence and accountability when it comes to incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. The impact could potentially result in more stringent penalties aimed at protecting vulnerable road users, thereby encouraging safer driving behaviors and a greater consideration for shared roadway responsibilities. The resolution recognizes the urgent need for legislative action in order to enhance the safety of those who rely on non-motorized transport.
House Concurrent Resolution 47 (HCR47) urges the Louisiana State Law Institute to form a study group aimed at examining the possibility of increasing penalties for drivers who injure or kill pedestrians and cyclists. The resolution addresses a significant public safety concern, highlighting the alarming statistics related to pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in Louisiana, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Baton Rouge, which ranks as one of the most dangerous for pedestrians in the United States. The resolution calls for the study group to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by February 1, 2020.
The sentiment surrounding HCR47 appears largely positive, as the resolution's intent is framed as a proactive measure for enhancing public safety. Advocates for pedestrian and cyclist rights likely view the resolution as a necessary step toward addressing the high rates of injuries and fatalities in these groups. Overall, the proposal shows a commitment from lawmakers to analyze and possibly rectify safety gaps for pedestrians and cyclists in Louisiana, leading to a consensus on the importance of the matter.
While the resolution itself does not highlight direct opposition, the discourse around such legislative efforts often reveals contention regarding the balance between penalizing behaviors and addressing systemic issues such as road design, enforcement of existing traffic laws, and public awareness campaigns. Discussions within the recommended study group may surface differing opinions on the effectiveness of harsher penalties versus infrastructural changes intended to protect vulnerable roadway users.