Relates to the passing of stopped school buses; requires each omnibus having a seating capacity in excess of fifteen children or more to have at least one flashing yellow signal lamp on the front thereof and at least one flashing yellow signal lamp on the rear thereof to indicate that such omnibus shall be stopping momentarily; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to establish a method whereby any violation of section 1174 of the vehicle and traffic law shall be issued to the operator of such vehicle and not to the owner of such vehicle; makes related provisions.
Summary
Bill A04793 amends the vehicle and traffic law to enhance safety measures for school buses. It requires that all school buses with a seating capacity of more than fifteen children be equipped with at least one flashing yellow signal lamp on both the front and rear. This is intended to provide better warning to other drivers when the bus is stopping to pick up or drop off passengers. Additionally, the bill establishes that any violations of the law regarding stopping for school buses will be issued to the vehicle operator rather than the vehicle owner, aiming to improve accountability and enforcement.
Impact
The bill will impact existing traffic laws by modifying the requirements for school bus signaling devices and the enforcement of violations. It specifically alters the penalties associated with stopping for school buses and clarifies the responsibilities of vehicle operators. This change is expected to enhance the safety of children during school transportation and streamline the process of issuing violations, potentially leading to more effective enforcement of school bus safety laws.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding Bill A04793 appears to be supportive, as it addresses critical safety concerns related to school bus operations. There have been no recorded votes or significant opposition noted in the committee discussions, indicating a consensus on the need for improved safety measures for school children.
Contention
While there is broad support for the bill, some points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of the new violation issuance process, particularly how it will be enforced and monitored. Concerns may also be raised about the costs associated with retrofitting older buses with the required signaling devices, though these concerns have not been explicitly documented in the available discussions.
Exempts horse-drawn carriages or carts from the ban on night riding if they display at least two lighted lamps on the front of the vehicle, one on each side, having light sources of equal power and visible from the front for a distance of at least three hundred fifty feet; at least one lighted lamp on the rear, located between the center and the left side of the vehicle, which shall display a red or amber fixed or flashing light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet; and reflective material upon the shafts of the vehicle or other parts thereof which shall normally parallel the body, head or legs of the horse pulling such vehicle.
Relates to the operation of three-wheeled vehicles; removes requirement that such vehicles have two wheels situated in the front and one wheel in the rear.
Relates to owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with stopping requirements at intersections in violation of section 1174 of the vehicle and traffic law
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.
Relates to owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with stopping requirements at intersections in violation of section 1174 of the vehicle and traffic law; relates to access to records.
Exempts horse-drawn carriages or carts from the ban on night riding if they display at least two lighted lamps on the front of the vehicle, one on each side, having light sources of equal power and visible from the front for a distance of at least three hundred fifty feet; at least one lighted lamp on the rear, located between the center and the left side of the vehicle, which shall display a red or amber fixed or flashing light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet; and reflective material upon the shafts of the vehicle or other parts thereof which shall normally parallel the body, head or legs of the horse pulling such vehicle.
Requires all vehicles move over or slow down for parked, stopped and standing vehicles on highways, requiring the inclusion of at least one question regarding such requirement on the state driver's license examination, and requires public education measures on such requirement.
Relating to authorizing green flashing warning lights on Division of Highways vehicles, and other equipment at the discretion of the Commissioner of Highways.