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Summary: This legislation defines “unprotected road users” as pedestrians, highway construction workers, tow-truck operators, people riding on horseback, bicyclists etc. This bill requires an approaching motor vehicle operator to vacate the lane adjacent to the unprotected road user and pass at a safe distance if road conditions do not allow for a vacation of the specified lane. Additionally this requires a motor vehicle operator to yield the right-of-way to unprotected road users in certain circumstances. A violation of this section would be punishable by a fine of not less than $1 or more than $200; a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of not more than $500 if the violation results in property damage or a Class B misdemeanor if the violation results in bodily injury.
Analysis: This bill is great for unprotected road user safety and awareness. Concerns: There is a fine for a violation resulting in property damage of not more than $500. This legislation is intended to protect people not property. Additionally, there are already laws that exist than can deal with damage to property, this law is duplicative.