Requires vehicle to stop (not just yield) for pedestrian in crosswalk in both the same and the next lane of the motor vehicle.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Findings and purpose. The legislature finds that the number of traffic fatalities affecting pedestrians continues to grow despite publicity about recent deaths and injuries at Pali Highway, Farrington Highway, and King Street. Traffic speed bumps and circles to reduce speeding have been constructed in various communities to remind everyone to exercise extra vigilance. The purpose of this Act is to require the driver of a motor vehicle to stop and yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk if the driver is in the lane the pedestrian is already in or if the driver is in the next lane the pedestrian is approaching.

SECTION 2. Section 291C-72, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) When traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way[, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield,] to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when [the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.] the driver of a motor vehicle is in the lane the pedestrian is already in or if the driver is in the next lane the pedestrian is approaching."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.