Bill would impose $1,000 fine for 'vulnerable pedestrian' death

Hartford - A careless motorist who injures or kills a "vulnerable user" - such as a bicyclist, skateboarder or a person in a wheelchair - on a public roadway would be fined up to $1,000 under legislation that cleared the state Senate Wednesday.

Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington, introduced the bill after having shepherded it through the committee process.

The list of vulnerable road users also includes pedestrians, highway workers, rollerskaters, tractors drivers, the blind and others.

The bill passed unanimously Wednesday and now heads to the House of Representatives.

"Public roads are not only for cars," Maynard said. "This bill closes an oversight in existing law and ensures that there will always be a legal penalty for hitting a vulnerable person with a car."

Motorists would be at fault in a collision if they failed to use "reasonable care." The vulnerable user also must exercise reasonable care in his or her use of the road.

A driver could face other penalties as well, depending on circumstances of the incident.

Bill proponent Sen. Beth Bye, D-West Hartford, said she hopes the proposed fine would raise awareness and help make the state's roads safer for cyclists.

"Right now, it is not safe at all," said Bye, an avid bike rider. "Cars buzz you and they basically think, why are you in their way?"

Lawmakers said this is the bill's third time before the legislature.

j.reindl@theday.com