H.R. 7263: Safe Intersections for Buses and Pedestrians Act

The bill titled "Safe Intersections for Buses and Pedestrians Act" aims to enhance safety for bus drivers and pedestrians by establishing new safety standards for covered motorcoaches. Specifically, the Bill includes the following key provisions:

Forward-Facing View Requirements

The bill mandates that all new covered motorcoaches sold in the United States must have a minimally obstructed forward-facing view from the driver’s seat. This requirement will be enforced through new motor vehicle safety standards that the Secretary, through the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), must implement within one year following the bill's enactment.

Use of Technology

It allows for the possibility of using cameras or other technological means to provide a minimally obstructed view. This means if a motorcoach can't naturally provide a clear forward view due to design or structural issues, it can meet the safety requirements using technology that enhances the driver's view, including:

• Expanding the range of the forward-facing view.
• Providing a view of any otherwise obstructed areas, as long as they comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 101.

Definitions

The bill provides definitions for a few important terms:

• Covered Motorcoach: Defined as bus as per existing federal regulations.
• Standard 101: Refers to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard concerning motor vehicle safety measures.

Implementation Timeline

The Secretary is required to create and publish these new safety standards within one year after the bill becomes law. This timeline is intended to ensure that the safety improvements are implemented in a timely manner to benefit both drivers and pedestrians.

Conforming Amendments

The bill also includes amendments to the existing U.S. Code to incorporate the newly established requirements regarding the forward-facing view in motorcoaches.

Summary of Purpose

The primary objective of the bill is to promote safety at intersections involving buses, particularly focusing on the visibility of drivers in covered motorcoaches, which in turn is intended to enhance the safety of pedestrians in these areas.

Relevant Companies

• BUS - Companies manufacturing motorcoaches may need to adapt their designs and implement new technology in compliance with these regulations.
• IMGN - Businesses involved in safety technologies or enhancements for vehicles may see an increase in demand for their products.