Senate Bill 345 aims to enhance pedestrian safety at intersections and crosswalks by mandating that vehicle operators must stop their vehicles and remain stopped until pedestrians, personal delivery devices, bicyclists, or riders of electric scooters or personal assistive mobility devices have completely crossed the roadway. This bill amends several sections of the statutes, specifically changing the language from requiring vehicle operators to "yield the right-of-way" to a requirement to "stop the vehicle" in various scenarios, including when traffic is controlled by signals or officers, as well as at uncontrolled intersections and crosswalks.

The bill also clarifies that pedestrians and other non-motorized users must yield to vehicles lawfully proceeding ahead on a green signal, while emphasizing that vehicle operators must stop for those crossing in the crosswalk. Additional amendments include provisions for vehicles facing red signals, green arrows, and flashing yellow arrows, all of which now incorporate the requirement to yield to pedestrians and other non-motorized users as specified in the new language. Overall, the bill seeks to improve safety for vulnerable road users by reinforcing the obligation of vehicle operators to stop for them at designated crossing points.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 346.23(1), 346.23, 346.23(2), 346.24(1), 346.24, 346.24(2), 346.37(1)(a)1, 346.37, 346.37(1)(c)3, 346.37(1)(c)4, 346.37(1)(d)1, 346.37(1)(e)1