New Jersey Assembly Bill A609

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

"Drew's Law"; establishes 15 miles per hour speed limit in or near certain public parks.

Impact

The bill amends existing traffic laws to not only introduce this specified speed limit but also to significantly increase the penalties for violations of the speed restrictions. Current penalties for exceeding speed limits (up to $50 to $200) are raised under the new law to a range of $100 to $400 if the violation occurs under conditions where children are visibly present or during park events. This adjustment reflects a commitment to stricter enforcement of traffic laws in sensitive areas where community activities take place.

Summary

Assembly Bill A609, known as 'Drew's Law', aims to establish a speed limit of 15 miles per hour on roads that pass through or are adjacent to certain public parks. This bill was introduced in response to the tragic death of 11-year-old Drew Keough, who was struck by a vehicle near a park. The bill's primary objective is to enhance safety for children and pedestrians in park areas by reducing speed limits to prevent similar incidents in the future. The serious nature of the bill is underscored by its intent to address the safety concerns of families using public parks.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention regarding the enforcement of this law, including the challenges local authorities might face in ensuring compliance and the resource allocation needed for proper signage and law enforcement. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding public awareness around these changes and how best to educate drivers about the new regulations. Further, some stakeholders might raise concerns over whether the increased penalties are proportionate to the offenses or if they could disproportionately affect certain segments of the population.