THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1084

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO transportation.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that pedestrians make up a significant proportion of the total number of traffic deaths in the State.  During the five-year period ending on December 31, 2021, one hundred forty-two pedestrians died in traffic incidents.

     The legislature further finds that a recent study conducted by a university of Hawaii economist found a positive correlation between the size of vehicles on United States roads and the number of pedestrian deaths.  Other studies have found that trucks, sports utility vehicles, and other large vehicles are from two to three times more likely to kill than sedans, and larger vehicles were related to more pedestrian deaths.  The university of Hawaii study also found that if light trucks, defined to include sports utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, and minivans, had been replaced by standard cars, nearly ten per cent of pedestrian deaths could have been avoided during the study period, equivalent to more than eight thousand lives nationwide.

     The situation is growing worse over time.  Today, pick-up trucks are 1,256 pounds, or thirty-two per cent, heavier than they were in 1990.  Front bumpers are significantly taller and flatter, and forward visibility is much worse, often making it impossible to see children immediately in front of the vehicle.

     The legislature further finds that the average driver in the State is unaware that there is a statistically significant correlation between the size of the vehicle they drive and the risk of pedestrian injury and death.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require awareness and disclosure to prospective buyers of large motor vehicles that larger vehicles pose an increased danger to pedestrians, which drivers should be aware of.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 437, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§437-     Light trucks; risk to pedestrians; mandatory disclosure.  (a)  No dealer may offer for sale any new light truck unless the dealer provides written notice to consumers of the increased danger that larger vehicles pose to pedestrians.

     (b)  The notice required by this section shall be:

     (1)  Clearly and conspicuously disclosed on the new light truck alongside the vehicle sales sticker; and

     (2)  Provided to the prospective consumer prior to sale,

in a minimum of forty-eight point font and in the following form:

 

     "IMPORTANT:  LARGER VEHICLES, INCLUDING THE VEHICLE SUBJECT TO THIS DISCLOSURE, ARE GENERALLY HARDER TO STOP, HAVE MORE FORCE ON IMPACT, AND ARE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE LIKELY TO CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO PEDESTRIANS IN THE CASE OF A COLLISION."

 

     (c)  As used in this section, "new light truck":

     (1)  Means a new motor vehicle that is classified by the federal Environmental Protection Agency as a light truck, as that term is defined in title 49 Code of Federal Regulations section 523.2; and

     (2)  Includes any new motor vehicle that is marketed as a sports utility vehicle, pick-up truck, or minivan."

     SECTION 3.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2024.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Transportation; Motor Vehicles; Pedestrian Safety; Light Trucks; Mandatory Disclosure

 

Description:

Requires dealers selling new light trucks, including sports utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, and minivans, to disclose to prospective consumers that larger vehicles pose an increased danger to pedestrians.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.