What's happening
This bill directs the Department of Transportation to survey and recommend safety improvements in areas with high rates of senior pedestrian accidents.
Why it matters
Focuses on protecting vulnerable seniors. By specifically targeting areas with high numbers of senior residents or high senior pedestrian traffic, the bill acknowledges that older adults are at greater risk for pedestrian accidents and may have unique safety needs (e.g., slower walking speed, reduced visibility).
Promotes evidence-based improvements. The requirement for a statewide survey and comprehensive study means that future safety measures will be based on actual data about where and why seniors are being injured, rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions.
Could lead to significant changes in street design and traffic policy. Recommendations might include installing safety median islands, adjusting traffic signal timing, adding more signage, or lowering speed limits—all of which could make streets safer not just for seniors but for all pedestrians.
Highlights governmental accountability and cross-agency collaboration. The bill mandates input from multiple agencies (Department of Transportation, Office for the Aging, police, etc.) and requires the commissioner to report findings and recommendations to both the governor and legislature, increasing transparency and the likelihood of follow-through.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4885
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
March 3, 2017
Introduced by Sens. DIAZ, PARKER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT in relation to authorizing the department of transportation to survey areas of the state with a high incidence of pedestrian accidents involving senior citizens
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The department of transportation, in consultation with the office for the aging, the department of motor vehicles, the governor's traffic safety committee, local police agencies, and any other agency or group the department of transportation deems necessary to enlist the aid of, shall conduct a statewide survey to determine areas with a high number of senior citizen residents and/or a high level of senior pedestrian traffic, and/or any incidence of senior citizen - motor vehicle accidents.
§ 2. The commissioner of the department of transportation shall, utilizing the results of the survey required by section one of this act, undertake a comprehensive study of the feasibility of methods of mitigating dangers to pedestrians in any and all areas in which the survey required in section one of this act indicates such necessity. The study shall include, but not be limited to, the feasibility of building safety median islands permitting pedestrians to cross on two timing cycles; retiming of traffic signals; installation of crossing signs; installation of pedestrian warning signs; lowering of vehicle speed limits; and cost of implementing any recommendations emanating from the study.
§ 3. The commissioner of transportation shall report study results and make recommendations to the governor and legislature on or before April 1, 2020.
§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07211-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act in relation to authorizing the department of transportation to survey areas of the state with a high incidence of pedestrian accidents involving senior citizens
Purpose or general idea of bill
The purpose of this bill is to help ensure the safety of senior citizens.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1. Requires the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the State Office for the Aging, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, local police agencies and any other groups deemed necessary, to conduct a statewide survey to determine areas of high levels of senior pedestrian traffic, and incidents of senior citizen-motor vehicle accidents.
Section 2. Requires the Commissioner to undertake a comprehensive study of mitigating dangers to seniors in any and all areas in which the survey indicates the need to take action.
Section 3. Requires the Commissioner to report study results and make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on or before April 1, 2018.
Section 4. Effective Date
Existing law
None
Justification
Walking as a means of transportation is increasing in popularity. Environmental considerations, health concerns, and increasing leisure hours are factors which promote pedestrian activity in New York State and elsewhere. All age groups participate in walking activities, but every year senior citizens have a disproportionately high representation on the list of those killed or injured in pedestrian incidents. Preventive pedestrian safety measures have been implemented outside New York State, and it is only reasonable and prudent that these measures receive scrutiny and consideration for use in New York State. This is especially appropriate with the increasing numbers of senior citizens. Demographic projection, indicate a burgeoning senior population. Currently there are 3.5 million older New Yorkers and this number will only increase as the "baby-boomer" generation ages. A key to senior mobility will be the availability of safe walkways. This bill will begin the necessary first step toward achieving this goal.
Legislative history
2016: S.230A - AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO TRANSPORTATION 2015: S.230 - REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION 2014: S.791A - Amend and Recommit to Transportation/A2902A - Amend and Recommit to Aging 2013: S.791 - Referred to Transportation/A.2902 - Referred to Aging 2012: S.109-A -Reported and Committed to Finance/ A.643-A- Passed Assembly 2011: 5.109 - Notice of Committee Consideration Requested, Committee Discharged Committed to Aging/A.643 Passed Assembly
2010: S.1555- A - Reported and Committed to Rules/A.1968-A Amended on Third Reading 2009: S.1555 - Advanced to Third Reading; Committed to Rules/S.1968 Passed Assembly 2008: S.2446-A - Passed Senate/A.31-A -Passed Assembly; Veto Memo 54 2007: S.2446 -Referred to Transportation/A.31- Passed Assembly 2005-06: A.1895 - Passed Assembly 2003: S.3353 - Passed Senate/A.6409 -Passed Assembly; Veto Memo 150; Tabled 2001-02: A.2846 - Passed Assembly
Fiscal implications
To be determined.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.