Transportation (Pedestrian Safety)

This concurrent resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to review safety conditions in school zones located on state highways. The bill specifically requests an evaluation of barriers that prevent the implementation of improved safety measures and lower speed limits in these areas. It was introduced following a fatal accident involving a crossing guard, highlighting concerns about speeding vehicles and unsafe driving near schools. The measure does not mandate any immediate changes but serves as a formal request for the state agency to investigate and address potential hazards.

This bill amends Louisiana laws to increase penalties for hit-and-run driving when the accident results in death or serious injury. It specifically targets drivers who flee the scene after causing harm, with stricter sentences applied if the victim is a pedestrian or bicyclist. Under the new provisions, offenders face longer prison terms that must be served without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, particularly if the driver has a prior record of drunk driving or vehicular homicide. The legislation also establishes that drivers who previously committed certain traffic offenses will receive even harsher mandatory minimum sentences for repeat hit-and-run incidents.

HB 309 imposes a $25 civil penalty on pedestrians who walk on crosswalks while using a cellphone. It also creates a rebuttable presumption that violators may be liable for damages resulting from their distraction. The bill directly affects individuals walking in crosswalks while using mobile devices. This measure establishes minor financial consequences for distracted walking, focusing on civil enforcement rather than criminal penalties.

SB 330 requires local authorities using automated speed cameras in school zones to install specific pavement markings and signs. It mandates a two-foot-wide yellow stripe across the road with "Entering School Zone" in 12-inch white lettering at every school zone entrance, plus a "SCHOOL" stripe adjacent to school signs when cameras are active. These standards align with federal traffic control guidelines and apply only to asphalt or concrete roads. The bill directly affects local municipalities and parishes implementing automated speed enforcement in school zones. It repeals an outdated requirement about school zone identification.

HB 723 allows motorcycle, moped, trimobile, bicycle, or electric bicycle riders to proceed through a steady red light at intersections with vehicle-actuated traffic signals (those controlled by sensors detecting traffic). To do so, riders must first stop completely for two full signal cycles or two minutes (whichever comes first), treat the light as a stop sign, confirm it is safe, and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. The bill specifically applies to intersections with sensor-based traffic control systems and does not change existing penalties for violations that cause injury or death, which include fines and possible license suspension. This policy directly affects cyclists and motorcyclists navigating intersections where traffic signals fail to detect their smaller vehicles.