|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
1084 |
|
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO transportation.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The
legislature further finds that a recent study conducted by a university of
Hawaii economist found a positive correlation between the size of vehicles on
United States roads and the number of pedestrian deaths. Other studies have found that trucks, sports
utility vehicles, and other large vehicles are from two to three times more
likely to kill than sedans, and larger vehicles were related to more pedestrian
deaths. The university of Hawaii study
also found that if light trucks, defined to include sports utility vehicles,
pick-up trucks, and minivans, had been replaced by standard cars, nearly ten
per cent of pedestrian deaths could have been avoided during the study period,
equivalent to more than eight thousand lives nationwide.
The
situation is growing worse over time.
Today, pick-up trucks are 1,256 pounds, or thirty-two per cent, heavier
than they were in 1990. Front bumpers
are significantly taller and flatter, and forward visibility is much worse,
often making it impossible to see children immediately in front of the vehicle.
The
legislature further finds that the average driver in the State is unaware that there
is a statistically significant correlation between the size of the vehicle they
drive and the risk of pedestrian injury and death.
Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to require awareness and disclosure to prospective
buyers of large motor vehicles that larger vehicles pose an increased danger to
pedestrians, which drivers should be aware of.
SECTION 2. Chapter 437, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§437-
Light trucks; risk to
pedestrians; mandatory disclosure. (a) No dealer may offer for sale any new light
truck unless the dealer provides written notice to consumers of the increased
danger that larger vehicles pose to pedestrians.
(b) The notice required by this
section shall be:
(1) Clearly and conspicuously disclosed
on the new light truck alongside the vehicle sales sticker; and
(2) Provided to the prospective consumer
prior to sale,
in a
minimum of forty-eight point font and in the following form:
"IMPORTANT: LARGER VEHICLES, INCLUDING THE VEHICLE
SUBJECT TO THIS DISCLOSURE, ARE GENERALLY HARDER TO STOP, HAVE MORE FORCE ON
IMPACT, AND ARE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE LIKELY TO CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO
PEDESTRIANS IN THE CASE OF A COLLISION."
(c) As used in this section,
"new light truck":
(1) Means a new motor vehicle that is
classified by the federal Environmental Protection Agency as a light truck, as
that term is defined in title 49 Code of Federal Regulations section 523.2; and
(2) Includes any new motor vehicle that is marketed as a sports utility vehicle, pick-up truck, or minivan."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2024.
|
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
|
|
|
Report Title:
Transportation; Motor Vehicles; Pedestrian Safety; Light Trucks; Mandatory Disclosure
Description:
Requires dealers selling new light trucks, including sports utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, and minivans, to disclose to prospective consumers that larger vehicles pose an increased danger to pedestrians.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.