[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 60 (Monday, May 13, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  STATEMENTS ON SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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   SENATE RESOLUTION 266--DESIGNATING OCTOBER 10, 2002, AS ``PUT THE 
                       BRAKES ON FATALITIES DAY''

  Mr. ROBERTS (for himself, Mr. Brownback, and Mr. DeWine) submitted 
the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the 
Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 266

       Whereas traffic fatalities needlessly claim the lives of 
     more than 40,000 Americans each year;
       Whereas traffic crashes are the leading cause of death in 
     the United States for people ages 6 to 28 years;
       Whereas 63 percent of those killed in traffic crashes are 
     not wearing safety belts;
       Whereas roadside hazards, substandard road conditions, and 
     obsolete roadway designs contribute to more than 15,000 
     highway deaths annually-- nearly \1/3\ of all fatal crashes;
       Whereas more than 3,000,000 people are injured in traffic 
     crashes in the United States each year;
       Whereas there are more than 6,000,000 nonfatal traffic 
     crashes in the United States each year;
       Whereas deaths and injuries on highways in the United 
     States cost society more than $230,000,000,000 annually;
       Whereas approximately 4,900 pedestrians and 750 bicyclists 
     are killed annually in traffic related crashes;
       Whereas safer driving behaviors through the use of seat 
     belts, not drinking and driving, and obeying traffic laws 
     need to be encouraged;
       Whereas use of simple, cost-effective roadway safety 
     improvements such as all weather signing and marking, traffic 
     signals, skid resistant pavements, and removal of roadside 
     hazards would greatly reduce crashes;
       Whereas continued development of ever-safer vehicles, 
     protective equipment, and roadways would reduce traffic-
     related fatalities and injuries; and
       Whereas cooperation between Federal, State, and local 
     governments, private companies, and associations is essential 
     to increasing highway safety: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates October 10, 2002, as ``Put the Brakes on 
     Fatalities Day''; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation urging 
     the people of the United States and interested groups to 
     encourage safe driving and other roadway use.

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