Senate Concurrent Resolution 105 - Introduced PAG LIN S.C.R. ________ H.C.R. ________ 1 1 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1 2 BY GRONSTAL, BLACK, STEWART, RAGAN, SCHMITZ, 1 3 BEALL, DANIELSON, DOTZLER, DVORSKY, HECKROTH, 1 4 WARNSTADT, SENG, RIELLY, HANCOCK, OLIVE, DEARDEN, 1 5 FRAISE, QUIRMBACH, KIBBIE, BOLKCOM, SCHOENJAHN, 1 6 WOOD, KREIMAN, and HORN 1 7 A Concurrent Resolution designating May 2008 as 1 8 Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. 1 9 WHEREAS, motorcycle riding is a popular form of 1 10 recreation and transportation for thousands of people 1 11 across Iowa and the nation; and 1 12 WHEREAS, motorcycle riding can be an enjoyable 1 13 activity when safety is of paramount consideration and 1 14 all laws and regulations are observed; and 1 15 WHEREAS, the safe operation of a motorcycle 1 16 requires the use of special skills developed through a 1 17 combination of training and experience, the use of 1 18 good judgment, and a thorough knowledge of traffic 1 19 laws and licensing requirements; and 1 20 WHEREAS, the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Campaign 1 21 is intended to reduce the number of accidents, 1 22 injuries, and fatalities associated with motorcycling 1 23 by encouraging motorcycle operators to participate in 1 24 rider education programs, wear proper apparel, not 1 25 drink and ride, and operate their vehicles defensively 1 26 according to the rules of the road; and 1 27 WHEREAS, motorcycle organizations, clubs, 1 28 dealerships, and groups and highway safety officials 1 29 in our state should join Iowa motorcyclists in 1 30 actively promoting safe motorcycle operation, 2 1 increased rider training, improved licensing efforts, 2 2 and motorist awareness of motorcycles; and 2 3 WHEREAS, the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Campaign 2 4 encourages operators of other motor vehicles to be 2 5 cautious and observe these smaller vehicles, 2 6 especially during the seasonal return of motorcycles 2 7 to Iowa's streets and highways; and 2 8 WHEREAS, a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the 2 9 privileges of any vehicle on the roadway, so a 2 10 motorcyclist should be allowed the use of a full lane 2 11 of travel; and 2 12 WHEREAS, other motorists need to take a second look 2 13 for motorcycles on the highway, at intersections, and 2 14 when a motorcyclist may be changing lanes or making a 2 15 left turn; and 2 16 WHEREAS, other motorists should clearly signal 2 17 their intentions, not follow motorcycles too closely, 2 18 and allow enough room for motorcyclists to take 2 19 evasive action by allowing plenty of space; and 2 20 WHEREAS, obstructions that other motorists might 2 21 ignore, such as debris and potholes, can be deadly for 2 22 a motorcyclist, so other motorists should learn to 2 23 predict when a motorcyclist might take evasive action; 2 24 NOW THEREFORE, 2 25 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, THE HOUSE OF 2 26 REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, That the General Assembly 2 27 designates the month of May 2008 as Motorcycle Safety 2 28 Awareness Month and encourages all Iowa motorists to 2 29 strive to improve motorcycle safety in this state. 2 30 LSB 6440SS 82 3 1 dea/nh/24