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.
Impact
If enacted, the bill will significantly modify existing traffic regulations concerning school buses. Specifically, it alters the requirements for drivers encountering stopped school buses, particularly on wider roads where a physical divide exists. Proponents argue that these changes could lead to reduced congestion on busy highways, which frequently experience traffic delays caused by stopped school buses. Moreover, the bill addresses the nuances of divided highways, acknowledging that safety measures are already in place due to the presence of physical barriers.
Summary
Bill A09179 seeks to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law of New York to establish new rules regarding the passing of stopped school buses on divided highways. The bill specifies that vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of a school bus on highways with four or more lanes are not required to stop, provided there is a physical barrier separating the lanes of traffic. This change aims to enhance the flow of traffic while maintaining safety for students boarding or exiting school buses.
Conclusion
The outcome of Bill A09179 will depend on further discussions in legislative sessions, taking into account the various viewpoints on balancing traffic flow and ensuring the safety of schoolchildren. As the bill progresses through the committee and voting processes, it will likely face scrutiny that reflects the concerns of both advocates for traffic efficiency and supporters of robust safety measures in school zones.
Contention
The introduction of A09179 may lead to discussions and debates on the implications for student safety. Critics may express concerns over the potential for increased risks to children who are boarding or disembarking from school buses on divided highways. Additionally, while some support the bill for its focus on traffic efficiency, others may argue that not requiring all vehicles to stop could undermine the established safety protocols meant to protect students.
Same As
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 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.
Permits passing a school bus on a public highway with six or more lanes when traveling the opposite direction of the stopped school bus while separated from such school bus by a median or permanent barrier.
Imposes liability on the state for injuries or damage sustained by persons while traveling on state highways, if the same are caused by a defect or dangerous condition that the state had notice of, but did not repair.
Imposes liability on the state for injuries or damage sustained by persons while traveling on state highways, if the same are caused by a defect or dangerous condition that the state had notice of, but did not repair.
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.
Requires motor carriers that operate charter buses to have pre-trip safety briefings on the mandatory use of safety belts by passengers and fines for such violations.
Requires motor carriers that operate charter buses to have pre-trip safety briefings on the mandatory use of safety belts by passengers and fines for such violations.
Removes references to the electric school bus mandate; provides that there shall be no mandate requiring school districts to purchase, operate or maintain any certain type of school buses and that the superintendent of each school district shall have the sole authority to determine the types of school buses such school district will purchase, operate and maintain; repeals certain provisions of law relating to electric school buses.