Senate Passes Two Road Safety Bills

The New York State Senate has adopted two bills, introduced by Senator Marty Golden, designed to create safer roadways for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

The new law would increase the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident when a death, injury or damage of property occurs. The bill is intended deter drivers from leaving injured victims on the road, facilitate police investigations and enable timely chemical testing of a driver if warranted.

“All too often, it seems we hear about another reckless driver who injures or claims the life of an innocent victim and compounds the crime by leaving the scene of the accident. Stronger action is clearly required and additional increases are warranted,” said Golden. “There is no other way to say it than that these criminals show a blatant disregard for human life. This legislation sets out to increase the penalties and reflects the seriousness of their actions.”

Under provisions of the bill, drivers who flee from the scene of an accident where someone was killed would now face a Class C Felony, resulting in a sentence of up to 15 years in prison. The penalty for repeat hit and run drivers, who cause property damage or personal injury, would be elevated from a Class E Felony to a Class D Felony. The bill increases the penalties for drivers who leave the scene of an accident without stopping
and reporting it, and causing property damage, from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Class E Felony.

The second bill approved by the State Senate today would add a bicycle and pedestrian safety component to the pre-licensing driver’s education course. This legislation would ensure that individuals receive instructions regarding situations they may face when sharing the road with cyclists, pedestrians, and others before obtaining their New York State driver’s license. Additionally, the bill adds bicycle and pedestrian safety to the list of topics that are included in the written examination.

“There has been a dramatic increase in the number of bicycles on the road, and at the same time, there has been an increase in the number of automobile and pedestrian accidents. The statistics clearly highlight the need for motorists to be more attentive to those with whom the road is shared with regularly. This legislation will create drivers that are more aware, by officially factoring in the presence of bicycles and pedestrians on our streets from the beginning of their driving career.”

The bills were sent to the State Assembly yesterday.