Requires the operator of a vehicle to stop when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk at anytime on a non-divided highway and on either half of a divided highway if the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle operator is traveling.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. This Act aims to protect pedestrians. This Act shall be known as the "Walk Safe Act of 2005". 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] The operator of a vehicle shall yield the right of way[, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to] by stopping for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on a non-divided highway. Operators shall yield the right of way by stopping for a pedestrian crossing in a crosswalk on either half of a divided highway if the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle operator is traveling. [or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.}"

SECTION 2. The purpose of this bill is to simplify and strengthen the pedestrians’ right of way within a crosswalk. SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.