Brief (1)
HB 2582 would allow school buses to be equipped with head lamps which alternately or simultaneously flash on low beam. The use of these head lamps would be limited to daylight hours. The bill would also exempt school buses equipped with flashing headlights from the requirement to dim headlights from oncoming traffic. Current law requires drivers to use high beam headlights to reveal people and other vehicles, except when within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle or when following within 300 feet of another vehicle.
The bill would become effective upon publication in the Kansas Register.
Background
Representatives Doug Gatewood and Bob Grant testified in support of HB 2582. Representative Gatewood indicated that the bill was in response to a fatality which occurred in Cherokee County. Also testifying in support of the bill was a representative of Scott County Kansas Farm Bureau and the grandmother of the child who was struck while attempting to board the school bus. The Kansas Livestock Association provided written testimony endorsing the bill.
The Executive Secretary of the Kansas State Pupil Transportation Association also provided written testimony. She noted that the use of high beam headlights flashing on and off could temporarily blind an approaching motorist and create a situation whereby the motorist could not see the red flashing lights or the students loading on or off the school bus. She also stressed that the warning devices on school buses should be uniform so that the public will recognize them immediately.
The House Committee amendment makes the bill effective upon publication in the Kansas Register.
The Senate Committee amendment would allow the use of wig wag lights on low beam but only during daylight hours.
The Board of Education indicates that passage of HB 2582 would not require additional state resources.
1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html