Education - School Bus Stops - Prohibited Locations
Impact
If enacted, SB1163 will have a considerable impact on state laws regarding traffic safety and the management of school bus stops. The bill mandates that local jurisdictions ensure safer conditions at bus stops in high-traffic areas, addressing a significant concern of protecting children from potential dangers when boarding or alighting from school buses. By introducing these requirements, the bill aims to reduce accidents and improve the overall safety of school transportation, particularly in metropolitan or heavily populated regions where such traffic situations are common.
Summary
Senate Bill 1163 addresses the safety concerns regarding the placement of school bus stops on certain highways in Maryland. The bill establishes regulations that prohibit the location of a school bus stop on highways that have five or more undivided traffic lanes unless specific safety measures are implemented. These measures include the presence of a school crossing guard to assist students in crossing the highway or the installation of a traffic control device that maintains a red signal when children are boarding or exiting the bus. This legislation aims to enhance the safety of students during their transit to and from school.
Contention
While the bill primarily focuses on enhancing safety, there may be concerns related to its implementation, costs, and local jurisdiction capabilities. The requirement for school crossing guards and traffic control devices could lead to debate over funding and resource allocation within specific counties, particularly those with budget constraints. Additionally, there may be differing opinions among local authorities regarding the practicality of enforcing these regulations, especially in rural areas where traffic patterns may differ significantly from more urban settings. As such, discussions may surface regarding the balance between necessary safety measures and local government resources.
Permits municipality to enact ordinance regulating where sex offenders may reside; restricts locations of certain child care centers and school bus stops.
Urging The Safe Routes To School Advisory Committee To Collaborate With The Department Of Education, Department Of Transportation, And The County Of Hawaii To Conduct An Inventory Of Bus Stops On Hawaii Island Utilized By Children To Travel To School And Develop Strategies To Improve Safety At Each Location.
Urging The Department Of Education To Collaborate With The Department Of Transportation, Safe Routes To School Advisory Committee, And The County Of Hawaii To Conduct An Inventory Of Bus Stops On Hawaii Island Utilized By Children To Travel To School And Develop Strategies To Improve Safety At Each Location.
Relates to the passing of stopped school buses on divided highways; provides that vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of a school bus on such highway shall not have to stop if a physical barrier is present between the different directions of travel.