[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 86 (Thursday, June 12, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7843-S7844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 168--DESIGNATING MAY 2004 AS ``NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE 
                      SAFETY AND AWARENESS MONTH''

  Mr. CAMPBELL (for himself and Mr. Allard) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 168

       Whereas the United States of America is the world leader in 
     motorcycle safety, promoting education, training, and 
     motorcycle awareness;
       Whereas motorcycles occupy a very important position in the 
     history of this Nation and of the world;
       Whereas over two-thirds of car-motorcycle crashes and 
     nearly one-half of all motorcycle crashes are caused by car 
     drivers, not by motorcyclists;
       Whereas of the 1,400 fatal car-motorcycle crashes in 2001, 
     36 percent involved another vehicle violating the 
     motorcyclist's right-of-way by turning left while the 
     motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking the 
     vehicle;
       Whereas although the motorcycling community has made 
     efforts to mitigate these right-of-way crashes through 
     enhancing motorcycle awareness via billboards, posters, 
     media, and other campaigns, the message to ``watch for 
     motorcycles'' continues to go unheeded by the general 
     motoring public;
       Whereas the motorcycling community has invested 
     considerable time and effort to improve its safety record 
     through safety initiatives such as increased rider training 
     and licensing campaigns, but many times demand for rider 
     training exceeds enrollment capacity and the programs often 
     lack support from the larger traffic safety community;
       Whereas the larger traffic safety community, highway 
     designers, law enforcement, the medical community, designers 
     of other vehicles, government, researchers working in related 
     areas, insurers, and all road users can accomplish much more 
     toward improving motorcycle safety;
       Whereas the motorcycle is an efficient vehicle which 
     conserves fuel, has little impact on our overworked roads and 
     highway system, is an important mode of transportation 
     involving such activities as commuting, touring, and 
     recreation, and promotes friendship by attracting riders from 
     all over the world through various clubs and organizations;
       Whereas the month of May marks the traditional start of the 
     motorcycle riding season; and
       Whereas, due to the increased number of motorcycles on the 
     road, it is appropriate to set aside the month of May 2004 to 
     promote motorcycle awareness and safety and to encourage all 
     citizens to safely share the roads and highways of this great 
     Nation by paying extra attention to those citizens who ride 
     motorcycles: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates May 2004 as ``National Motorcycle Safety and 
     Awareness Month''; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States to observe the 
     month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I submit a resolution to designate 
May 2004 as National Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. As many of 
you know, the month of May marks the traditional start of the 
motorcycle riding season.
  Motorcycles have become a big part of the American landscape and 
occupy a very important position in the history of this Nation. The use 
of motorcycles has served this country well through numerous military 
campaigns as well as playing a pivotal role in law enforcement. For 
many Americans, motorcycles have become their sole source of 
transportation and for others, a form of weekend recreation. According 
to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are well 
over four million motorcycles registered in this country. It is no 
secret that the United States is viewed as the world's leader in 
motorcycle safety and motorcycle awareness.
  As a motorcycle enthusiast for more than 50 years, I am concerned 
that

[[Page S7844]]

more needs to be done to educate the general motoring public about 
motorcycle safety and awareness. According to the American Motorcycle 
Association, over two-thirds of car-motorcycle crashes, and nearly half 
of all motorcycle crashes are caused by auto drivers, not by 
motorcyclists. Think of it: Most drivers, when leaving an intersection, 
look right and left for cars and trucks, not always for motorcycles. Of 
the 1,400 fatal car-motorcycle crashes in 2001, 36 percent involved 
another vehicle violating the motorcyclist's right-of-way by turning 
left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking 
the vehicle. These statistics can and must be addressed.
  The motorcycling community has made efforts to mitigate these right-
of-way crashes through enhancing motorcycle awareness via bill boards, 
posters, media and other campaigns, the message to ``watch for 
motorcycles'' continues to go unheeded by the general motoring public--
not intentionally I am sure.
  In addition, the motorcycling community has invested considerable 
time and effort to improve its safety record through safety initiatives 
such as increased rider training and licensing campaigns, but the 
programs are over-utilized and underfunded and often lack support from 
the larger traffic safety community.
  Clearly enough is not being done by motorists to take extra care in 
looking for motorcyclists and conversely, motorcyclists need to take an 
active roll in protecting themselves as well.
  As we continue to move through the riding season, I will continue to 
work with my colleagues here in the Senate and motorcycle rights groups 
such as the National Coalition of Motorcyclists, the American 
Motorcycle Riders Foundation to find solutions to educate the general 
motoring public about motorcycle safety and awareness. This resolution 
is a strong, positive step in the right direction to help achieve this 
goal.
  For all the motorcyclists who have been injured through no fault of 
their own, and for the many thousands of others who will be injured 
this year and for every year to come for quite some time, I encourage 
my colleagues to join this effort to help raise the awareness 
Nationwide of all motorized vehicle operators of motorcycles and those 
who operate them. To do nothing invites more needless and preventable 
injury and death to far too many innocent Americans.
  I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting passage of this 
important resolution.

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