Transportation Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5429
AN ACT CONCERNING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY, VISION ZERO COUNCIL,
SPEED LIMITS IN MUNICIPALITIES, FINES AND CHARGES FOR CERTAIN
VIOLATIONS, THE GREENWAYS COMMEMORATIVE ACCOUNT AND
MAINTENANCE WORK ZONE AND SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY
Title: ENFORCEMENT.
Vote Date: 3/3/2021
Vote
Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 1/27/2021
File No.: 83
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the members
of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and
does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Rep. Julio A. Concepcion, 4th Dist.
Rep. Roland J. Lemar, 96th Dist.
Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey, 133rd Dist.
Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw, 17th Dist.
Rep. Josh Elliott, 88th Dist.
Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, 18th Dist.
Rep. David Michel, 146th Dist.
Rep. John K. Hampton, 16th Dist.
Sen. James J. Maroney, 14th Dist.
Rep. Robin E. Comey, 102nd Dist.
Rep. Matthew Ritter, 1st Dist.
Rep. Michael A. Winkler, 56th Dist.
Rep. Maria P. Horn, 64th Dist.
Rep. Amy Morrin Bello, 28th Dist.
Rep. Mary Welander, 114th Dist.
Rep. Mary M. Mushinsky, 85th Dist.
Rep. Jeff Currey, 11th Dist.
Rep. Geraldo C. Reyes, 75th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
 To increase safety and awareness of the multi modal nature of Connecticut streets, particularly
in densely populated urban areas; as a response the unfortunate increase of pedestrian accidents
and related fatalities.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
YALE
Professors of Law (Tracey Meares, Tom Tyler, & James Forman)
The testimony notes the importance of the unequal enforcement of traffic laws against Black and Hispanic
motorists relative to their white peers, that race is playing a huge factor in traffic stops. The possibility of
affecting the issue of "fairness" is then addressed with the following After the initial stop, police are
more likely to escalate a traffic stop to a search when the motorist is Black or Hispanic than if they
are white.5 One study of Los Angeles police noted that they were more likely to stop [B]lack
motorists than non-Hispanic whites and, having stopped them, were more likely to make [B]lacks get
out of their car, more likely to frisk [B]lacks, more likely to search their cars, and more likely to
arrest them. This is definitely a problem, especially because people are fearful to the point of getting out
of there cars not knowing what might escalate between them and law enforcement. This disrupts
communities, and as long as it continues to happen, it disrupts the flow of society. Perceptions of
discrimination in discretionary stops can erode individual liberty, undermine democratic equality,
and divide local communities by income, race, and ethnicity.
Dean of Yale Law, Professor of Law (Heather K. Gerken)
This testimony references the death of bicycles that have held such an tremendous impact on the state
community. From Heather K. Gerken, she stated, As you might know, one of our beloved students,
Chris Lim, died on October 6, 2020, in a tragic bicycle accident at the intersection of York Street and
South Frontage Road in New Haven. But it isnt just about the tragic loss of Chris, but it is about all the
senseless deaths that occur every year due to the fact of careless drivers on the road, street smarts is very
important when you are dealing with driving within the public landscape. What makes Chris death all
the more tragic was that he died in an utterly preventable accident. That fact has led a number of our
students to devote countless hours to ensuring that our community does not lose another life to such a
senseless tragedy.
3. CEO of Yale Health, Associate Professor at Yale Medical (Paul Genecin)
The testimony notes the importance of the pilot program for automated speed control, given the
unacceptable number of pedestrian fatalities (65 in Connecticut in 2020) and what the text refers to as "our
right to avoid preventable traffic-related deaths." The possibility of positively affecting the issue of "equity"
is then addressed with the following: "Automated speech control provides an alternative to police
enforcement, which can be arbitrary and disproportionately focused on racial minorities. This modality
would make law enforcement more equitable and consistent across all members of the driver community."
In conclusion, the testimony proposes that automated speed control be implemented in the vicinity of
hospitals, not just schools.
HOSPITALS
Yale New Haven Hospital (Contains Information on "Traffic Calming")
The testimony references "traffic calming solutions" as "critical tools" for keeping Yale's employees, their
families, and the greater community of New Haven safethen concludes with the following: "As a Level 1
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trauma facility, Yale New Haven Hospital often treats the direct and devastating effects of catastrophic
injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents injuries that can take an economic and emotional toll on
individuals and families. The Yale New Haven Hospital family is not immune to this sort of horrific and
painful loss."
Connecticut Children's Medical Center (Rahul Shah, MD)
This testimony references to lower speed limits when appropriate and further promote pedestrian safety at
crosswalks as an critical tool to protect children and other individuals from cars speeding down the street
way too fast, especially in residential neighborhoods. Shah starts the conversation with the following:
Anyone who has driven through densely populated neighborhoods in New Haven would agree with
her assessment. However, New Haven is not alone. My daily commute from New Haven to Hartford
offers firsthand evidence on the plethora of motor vehicles driving at or above the speed limit in
densely populated urban areas, even in the presence of pedestrians lawfully attempting to use
crosswalks.
UNIONS
Connecticut Employees Union Independent (Carl Chisem, President; SEIU Local 511)
Between January 1, 2017 and December 3, 2020, there were 4,029 crashes in CT work zones. Of that
number there were 17 fatalities and 1,188 injuries. These numbers do not indicate the number of motorists
who drive recklessly through work zones without incident. Motorists are continuing to drive distracted
and reckless. They ignore the laws and put peoples lives in danger while out on the road. With a reduced
police presence throughout the state in maintenance work zones, motorists feel they have free rein to
disregard posted speed limits and signage putting the workers lives and their own lives in jeopardy.
Connecticut State Employees Association (Stephen Anderson, President; SEIU Local 2001)
This testimony references The reality is that our highways and school zones are not as safe as we would
like them to be.
Service Employees International Union (Stacey Zimmerman, Associate Director)
This testimony references Far too many of out members have been injured or killed while doing their job to
keep Connecticut moving. This enforcement measure is not a panacea but a good step in to protecting the
lives of those who protect us. We urge adoption by this committee.
United Auto Workers (Beverley Brakeman, Regional Director; Region 9A)
This testimony references One of the biggest dangers facing motorists today is distracted driving. In the
age of technology, this will only continue to get worse. The men and women who work for the Department
of Transportation try to ensure that drivers have safe roads and bridges upon which to travel. However, their
very lives are not treated with the same concern. The state of Connecticut needs to follow the lead of other
states who have implemented comprehensive work zone safety systems.
Communications Workers of America (Noreen Bennett & James Case; Representatives of CWA, Local 1298)
The testimony explains and notes several important factors regarding how safety workers need further
protection. They hugely expressed support for the bill, and are open to working to go even further on
protecting workers working within the work zones of Connecticut.
To summarize: They stated, Motorists are continuing to drive distracted and reckless. They ignore
the laws and put peoples lives in danger while out on the road. With a reduced police presence
throughout the state in maintenance work zones, motorists feel they have free rein to disregard posted
speed limits and signage putting the workers lives and their own lives in jeopardy.
LEGISLATORS
th
Representative Jane Garibay (60 Assembly District)
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The testimony represents Representative Jane Garibay of the (60th Assembly District) expresses how much bill would
benefit the town of Windsor and Windsor Locks regrading safety and support for the people who live in these areas. It
is stated, Both towns have incredibly busy state routes crossing through their Main Street business districts and have
seen numerous pedestrian deaths and injuries in recent years this bill also helps local businesses that rely on window
shoppers to stay afloat. Garibay goes further and states, Furthermore, like many towns and cities between Springfield
and New Haven, the main state routes located in both towns that I represent also happen to be within short walking
distance of train stations along the CTRail Hartford Line. This means that there is an abundance of residents living in
transit-oriented housing development close to pedestrian crossing zones and popular local businesses Whether it be
along the Metro-North New Haven Line or the Hartford Line, creating pedestrian-friendly policy will help downtown
development in municipalities with transit-oriented business and residential districts.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Sierra Club (Samantha Dynowski, State Director)
This testimony references the Sierra Club supports all the measures within the bill. Pedestrian deaths have
been increasing; despite a sharp decline in traffic, fatalities rose in 2020. It also references gas emissions
regarding cars. It is stated, Safety measures are also critical to encourage more car-free transportation in
order to tackle the climate crisis, and improve air quality.
National Safety Council
This testimony explains In 2019, 36,096 people died in motor vehicle-related crashes, with 249 lives lost in
Connecticut.1 Preliminary estimates by NSC show there likely will be a significant increase in motor
vehicle- related fatalities in 2020 despite less traffic.2 This data show more needs to be done to improve the
safety of our roads for all road users, incorporating education with legislation and targeted enforcement.
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Center for Latino Progress (Thomas Lefebvre, Coordinator)
This testimony references how many individuals within the state rely on other means of transport besides using a car,
which shifts the focus to pertaining towards more road safety in the state. The testimony explains the support regarding
all the measures of the bill that is set to improve safety for pedestrians and bikers, including pedestrian right-of-way at
crosswalks safety upgrades to Connecticuts roads. Working on the authority to set safe local speed limits, that would
lead to the use of automated enforcement in work zones and creating a pilot a program, that will allowed municipalities
to utilize automated enforcement in school zones. It is stated, We also live in a state where many cities have very
high level of households without cars (Hartford 32%, New Haven 29%, Bridgeport 20%, and Waterbury 20%.)2 As a
result, many Connecticut residents rely on cycling and walking to get to work or to go the grocery store hence being
particularly vulnerable to the danger of speeding cars. In 2020 alone, at least sixty pedestrians and six cyclists
were killed in Connecticut.1 These deaths were preventable. It is very much time indeed to implement policies
that will reduce pedestrian and cyclist road injuries and deaths
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STATE-WIDE ASSOCIATIONS
AAA (contains provisions "to improve traffic safety")
:This Testimony explains how they support the bill that are supplemented with engineering
measures, educational campaigns, and traditional law enforcement, provided that thorough
evaluations are regularly conducted and disclosed to the public. They also offer several provisions
that they are feel are necessary to ensure the programs operate as safely, fairly, and transparently as
possible.
Connecticut Council of Municipalities (Matthew Knickerbocker: First Selectman, Bethel; Matthew Hoey: First
Selectman, Guilford; & M. Randall Collins Jr.: Advocacy Manager, CCM)
This Testimony references, Pedestrian accidents are rising at an alarming rate and a recent report
by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) showed pedestrian fatalities increasing
nationally by 53% from 2009- 2018 and Connecticut saw a 19% increase from 2018-2019. The
study also highlighted that almost 85% of these accidents occurred on local roads other than
limited access highways.
The Connecticut Council of Small Towns (Betsy Gara, Executive Director)
This Testimony references strong support for the bill through the provisions sets in place. COST
strongly supports provisions in the bill which would allow local traffic authorities to establish
speed limits and pedestrian safety zones. Many towns are struggling to address excessive speeds in
downtown areas, which is jeopardizing the safety of pedestrians and other motorists and
undermining efforts to encourage people to shop and dine locally
Connecticut Citizen Action Group (Angel Serrano, Organizer)
This Testimony references In Connecticut, especially in cities, a danger exists. Motorists speed
through school zones, through work zones, and when people are standing in crosswalks, putting
students, maintenance workers, and pedestrians at risk. Cyclists are also in danger when motorists
don't follow the speed limits and when doors are opened impeding their path of travel causing
accidents. Drivers are sometimes also distracted by an electronic device which increases the chance
of an accident. Furthermore, In New York City between 2014-2017, 81% of drivers who
received a ticket from a speed camera did not receive a second one, and speeding was reduced by
over 60 percent. They further stress that pedestrians will be safe with the measures this bill has set
in writing.
The Connecticut American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations (Sal Luciano,
President)
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This Testimony explains The men and women employed as highway maintainers at the
Department of Transportation (DOT) are dedicated public servants. They plow snow, trim trees
and make repairs to our state roads so that Connecticut residents can travel safely every day. Too
often their jobs are dangerous, even life threatening, because motorists repeatedly fail to consider
their safety. With fewer state police on the roads and divers increasingly distracted by mobile
devices, DOT workers literally risk their lives when they enter a work zone.
Connecticut Forest & Park Association (Eric Hammerling, Executive Director)
This Testimony explains, We thank the Committee for raising this comprehensive bill with so
many important safety provisions. Our testimony is focused on Section 15 of the bill which would
establish a greenways commemorative account as a nonlapsing fund and clarify its purpose.
Connecticut Main Street Center (Patrick McMahon, CEO)
This Testimony explains the advantages that communities will have when it comes to exploring
more within the many neighborhoods without being afraid to do so for safety reasons regarding car
traffic. Walkable, bikeable neighborhoods are highly sought after, with 48% of CTs adults
wanting to someday live in an area within walking distance of shops and restaurants, according to a
2014 study from the former Legislative Commission on Aging and the CT Chapter of the
American Planning Association. Furthermore, Pedestrian safety will be enhanced by requiring
motorists to grant the right-of-way to pedestrians who affirmatively indicate their intention to cross
the road in a crosswalk The provisions allowing for the establishment of pedestrian safety zones,
as well as local traffic authorities to establish lower speed limits on streets under their jurisdiction
will also be important steps in making our downtown areas more walkable and bike-friendly.
Columbia House (Margaret Middleton, CEO)
This Testimony references how many accidents people have witness, with most of them being the
drivers fault. Sadly, many of us have witnessed the tragic consequences of being a pedestrian on
this notoriously dangerous stretch of roadway. When we see the police blocking off the street, we
get that sick feeling that there has been another tragic accident. We have seen the street littered
with damaged cars and debris and, unfortunately, too many of us have seen a human being lying in
the street motionless.
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REGIONAL & MUNICIPAL
New Haven Public Schools (Dr. Ilene Tracey, Superintendent)
This testimony references automated traffic enforcement in work and school zones is a great thing
for the state of Connecticut. Better for safety, and better for residents. Evidence shows that where
automated traffic enforcement is employed that speeding is reduced, and those who do exceed the
limit and receive a ticket are unlikely to reoffend. Between 2014 and 2017, when automated
enforcement was employed in New York City school zones, speeding was reduced by 60% and 81%