Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1193

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/9/24
• Refer: 4/9/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Requiring vehicles to stop for pedestrians at certain intersections and crosswalks.

Impact

The proposed legislation stands to significantly alter existing traffic regulations that currently require drivers to yield the right-of-way rather than stopping for pedestrians. This shift in legal responsibility places a heavier burden on vehicle operators, which may enhance pedestrian safety by reducing the likelihood of accidents at crosswalks. Local governments may see a need to update traffic signage and signals in accordance with the new rules, and there might be implications for law enforcement and adjudication of traffic violations as they adapt to the stricter stopping requirements.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1193 seeks to amend several sections of Wisconsin's traffic laws to enhance pedestrian safety at intersections and crosswalks. The bill establishes a clear mandate that vehicle operators must stop their vehicles and remain stopped until any pedestrians, personal delivery devices, bicyclists, or riders of electric scooters or electric personal assistive mobility devices have completely crossed the roadway. This measure aims to provide a higher level of protection for pedestrians by enforcing stricter compliance among vehicle operators in busy traffic environments.

Contention

While many support Assembly Bill 1193 for its potential to improve pedestrian safety, there are concerns regarding the practical implications of such a stringent regulation. Detractors argue that requiring vehicles to stop, rather than merely yielding, could lead to increased instances of abrupt stops, potentially causing rear-end collisions or confusion among drivers unfamiliar with the new laws. Additionally, the enforcement of these regulations, especially in high-traffic areas, may present challenges and may require additional law enforcement resources to manage effectively.