NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A5915
SPONSOR: Gray TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the transportation law,
in relation to establishing mandatory safety belt use, pre-trip safety
briefings, and regular safety belt inspections for commercial passenger
vehicles
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill seeks to improve passenger safety in commercial vehicles by
mandating seat belt use, requiring pre-trip safety briefings, enforcing
regular safety inspections, and strengthening compliance measures. These
measures align with recommendations from the National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) following the 2023 fatal bus and truck collision in
Louisville, NY.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
1. Section 1 establishes the short title as the "Comprehensive Passenger
Safety Enhancement Act."
2. Section 2 states the legislative purpose of reducing injuries and
fatalities through enhanced safety measures.
3. Section 3 amends Section 1229-c of the Vehicle and Traffic Law by
adding subdivision 3-e, which mandates seat belt use for drivers and
passengers, requires regular seat belt inspections, and necessitates
pre-trip safety briefings.
4. Section 4 amends definitions in Section 1229-c of the Vehicle and
Traffic Law to include "commercial vehicle" and "safety belt."
5. Section 5 modifies penalty provisions in Section 1229-c of the Vehi-
cle and Traffic Law to enforce compliance with the new requirements.•
6. Section 6 amends Section 14 of the Transportation Law by adding
subdivision 37, requiring the development and distribution of educa-
tional materials promoting seat belt use in collaboration with transpor-
tation unions and associations.
7. Section 7 sets the date for when this legislation shall take effect.
JUSTIFICATION:
The 2023 bus and truck collision in Louisville, NY, highlighted the need
for stricter safety measures in commercial vehicles. Regular safety
inspections are crucial to ensuring seat belts are functional and prop-
erly maintained, preventing avoidable risks. Additionally, pre-trip
safety briefings will help ensure passengers understand how to secure
themselves correctly. By strengthening these requirements and enforcing
compliance, this legislation aims to prevent future tragedies and save
lives.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 180 days after becoming law.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
