Connecticut House Bill HB05403

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/16
• Refer: 2/24/16
• Report Pass: 3/11/16
• Refer: 3/21/16
• Report Pass: 3/29/16
• Refer: 4/5/16
• Report Pass: 4/12/16
• Engrossed: 4/21/16
• Report Pass: 4/25/16
• Chaptered: 5/10/16
• Enrolled: 5/16/16
• Passed: 5/26/16

Caption

An Act Increasing Penalties For Failure To Yield To Pedestrians In Crosswalks And Failure To Exercise Due Care To Avoid Hitting A Pedestrian Or Cyclist.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5403 will amend current traffic laws to impose stricter penalties on violations related to pedestrian and cyclist right-of-way. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2016, and include fines up to five hundred dollars for violations. This increase in penalties is intended to deter reckless driving behavior and enhance the enforcement of pedestrian safety measures, thereby potentially decreasing the incidence of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.

Summary

House Bill 5403 aims to enhance pedestrian safety by significantly increasing penalties for drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or do not exercise due care when approaching pedestrians or cyclists. The bill revises existing statutes concerning pedestrian right-of-way, specifying that drivers must grant the right-of-way to pedestrians and adhere to designated crosswalk regulations. This legislative move reflects a broader effort to improve road safety measures and protect vulnerable road users from potential hazards posed by vehicle traffic.

Sentiment

The general sentiment towards HB 5403 has been positive, particularly among advocates for road safety and pedestrian rights, who view the bill as a necessary step towards creating safer urban environments. Legislators supporting the bill emphasized the importance of pedestrian safety and the need for stringent legislation to protect vulnerable road users. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and enforcement of these new regulations, particularly among the driving community, who could perceive the increased penalties as excessive.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include discussions about enforcement capabilities and the effectiveness of increased fines as a deterrent. Opponents argue that simply raising penalties may not address underlying issues such as driver education and awareness. Additionally, there may be apprehensions about how effectively law enforcement agencies can implement these regulations and whether they will lead to meaningful changes in driver behavior.