BLIND PEDESTRIAN: WALKERS - S.B. 1096: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 1096 (as introduced 2-12-02)
Sponsor: Senator Bev Hammerstrom
Committee: Transportation and Tourism
Date Completed: 2-19-02
CONTENT
The bill would amend Public Act 10 of 1937, which regulates the actions of drivers when approaching blind pedestrians, to make it a misdemeanor for a driver to approach a crosswalk or any other pedestrian crossing without taking all necessary precautions to avoid accident or injury to a blind pedestrian using a walker. A driver who violated this provision also would be liable in damages for any injuries caused to the pedestrian. ("Walker" would mean an aid used by a blind pedestrian for travel and identification purposes that was white in color or had white legs with or without a red tip.)
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Currently, the Act prohibits drivers from approaching a crosswalk or any other pedestrian crossing without taking all necessary precautions to avoid accident or injury to a blind pedestrian carrying a white cane or using a guide dog. A person who violates this provision is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $100, or both, and is liable for injuries to the pedestrian.
MCL 752.51a & 752.52 - Legislative Analyst: Nobuko Nagata
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have an indeterminate impact on the number of violations under MCL 752.53.
- Fiscal Analyst: Bill BowermanS0102\s1096sa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.