DRIVER ED; VULNERABLE ROADWAY USERS S.B. 124:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 124 (as introduced 2-9-17)
Sponsor: Senator Margaret E. O'Brien
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act to do the following:
-- Require, in segment one driver education classroom instruction, at least one hour of information concerning the laws pertaining to bicycles, motorcycles, and other vulnerable roadway users.
-- Require the incorporation of the laws pertaining to awareness of bicycles, motorcycles, and other vulnerable roadway users, including pedestrians, into additional curriculum.
The Act specifies, among other things, the requirements for a segment one driver education curriculum. (Under the Michigan Vehicle Code, a person 14 years and nine months of age or older may be issued a level one graduated driver status upon completing segment one of a driver education course and meeting other criteria. A person issued a level one graduated licensing status may operate a motor vehicle if accompanied either by a licensed parent or legal guardian or, with the permission of the parent or legal guardian, by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older.)
A segment one curriculum must include, among other things, at least 24 hours of classroom instruction. The classroom instruction must include information concerning the laws pertaining to bicycles and motorcycles, and must emphasize awareness of their operation on State streets, roads, and highways. Under the bill, the instruction would have to include at least one hour of information concerning bicycles, motorcycles, and vulnerable roadway users, including pedestrians.
The bill also would require the laws of the State pertaining to awareness of bicycles, motorcycles, and other vulnerable roadway users, including pedestrians, to be incorportated into additional curriculum, including laws pertaining to yielding the right-of-way, traveling at a safe and reasonable speed for conditions, ensuring a safe distance, and distracted driving.
The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.
MCL 256.657 Legislative Analyst: Jeff Mann
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
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.