This bill amends Nebraska's motor vehicle laws with a focus on enhancing road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. It redefines reckless driving and establishes new penalties for motor vehicle homicide, which can now be classified as a Class I misdemeanor or escalate to a Class IIIA or IIA felony based on the circumstances. A new classification for motor vehicle homicide as a Class IV felony is also introduced under specific conditions. The legislation allows courts to impose driving restrictions and license suspensions for those convicted of these offenses, while also increasing fines for speeding violations, especially in construction or school zones.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of drivers when approaching or passing stopped vehicles, mandating that they exercise due care and caution, particularly in situations with multiple lanes of travel. If it is unsafe to change lanes, drivers must reduce their speed and maintain a safe distance. The bill also emphasizes the need for drivers of stopped emergency and road assistance vehicles to operate with due regard for the safety of all highway users. It redefines "road assistance personnel" to include various agencies and vehicles, and repeals several existing statutes to streamline legal language and update definitions in line with current safety standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-306, 28-394, 60-601, 60-605, 60-682.01