Safe Passing Bill Veto

Recently in Texas, a statewide safe passing bill was proposed that would require motorists to give “vulnerable road users” – including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and construction and maintenance workers – at least three feet of clearance when passing. The bill passed in the Texas House and Senate this year but was recently vetoed by Governor Rick Perry.

Many bicyclists, pedestrians, concerned motorists, and others in Texas argue that the safe passing law would make the streets safer for use by vulnerable road users. The penalty for violating the three foot safe passing law would have been a $500 fine or a Class B Misdemeanor for the motorist if someone was injured. However, bicyclists and other road users should be aware that the veto of the safe passing bill does not mean that vulnerable users no longer have rights to the road.

Under current Texas law, bicycles are classified as vehicles and have as much right to be on the road as any other vehicle. While the passing law may have provided further protections to bicycles and others, motorists are still required to drive safely around bicyclists. An aggressive or negligent motorist who endangers a bicyclist, causing injury and/or damage, can be held legally responsible in the case of an accident.

Contact Us

If you are a bicyclist and have been the victim of an accident with another vehicle, remember that you still have legal rights on the road and may be able to claim damages. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you hold a negligent driver accountable and can assist you in pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages. For legal advice and information on bicycle-automobile accident liability, contact Austin personal injury lawyer Vic Feazell at 1-877-948-4842.