Creates the linguistic and culturally compatible accident prevention course pilot program

BILL NUMBER:S5868

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the creation of a linguistic and culturally compatible accident prevention course pilot program

Purpose

We are proposing that New York State implement a pilot program that explores the benefits of expanding the cultural and linguistic competency of providers of accident prevention courses. This will allow us to witness a significant improvement from the status-quo, as New York's fast growing multi-cultural communities will greatly benefit from the course, which would be provided by Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises.

Summary of provisions

Accident prevention programs offered by culturally and linguistically competent providers will allow multi-cultural communities to better comprehend the instruction offered at these programs by ending the "English only" approach to teaching driver safety. It will also encourage more drivers from multi-cultural communities to partake in accident prevention programs and improve driving conditions in these communities.

The pilot program can be implemented in an orderly fashion without harming existing programs. Most importantly, there is no cost to the state associated with the program.. In fact, the Department of Motor Vehicles will be permitted to collect fees from applicants who wish to offer the program.

To ensure quality accident prevention programs that actually improve safety on our roads, the DMV will be authorized to exclude applicants who don't have experience in teaching accident prevention. The DMV will be authorized to maintain safeguards and oversight to ensure the competent delivery of instruction and the completion of accident prevention training before the driver is issued certification.

Additionally, the entity must be certified as a Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) for at least three years. The applicant must also demonstrate proficiency in at least four or more languages that are currently used by the DMV as alternative languages during drivers' permit testing.

Justification

Current New York State regulations are designed to allow a narrow group of providers to help New Yorkers learn about ways to drive safely and avoid accidents. Upon completion of the

accident prevention course, drivers have an opportunity to reduce points on their license. Although there is great interest among drivers for safety programs that help them reduce points, and in many cases lead to lower insurance premiums, the current structure is not consistent with our diverse and dynamic state. Millions of New York drivers consider English to be their second language and identify with various ethnic communities. By implementing this pilot program, New York State will be on its way towards drivers who better understand how to operate safely and avoid accidents in our roads. Our communities will be safer, our drivers more competent, and the DMV more in-tune with our diverse state.

Legislative history

None

Fiscal implications

Undetermined.

Effective date

Immediately.