[House Report 111-79]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
111th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session 111-79
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SUPPORTING THE GOALS OF MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH
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April 21, 2009.--Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be
printed
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Mr. Oberstar, from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H. Res. 269]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to whom
was referred the resolution (H. Res. 269) supporting the goals
of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, having considered the
same, report favorably thereon without amendment and recommend
that the resolution be agreed to.
PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION
House Resolution 269 supports the goals of Motorcycle
Safety Awareness Month.
BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
promotes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to encourage riders
to always wear helmets and other protective gear, never drink
and ride, be properly licensed, receive training, and to remind
all riders and motorists to always share the road.
Motorcycles represent a valuable component of the nation's
transportation network. In 2006, there were approximately 6.7
million registered motorcycles in the United States.
Motorcycles continue to grow in popularity each year, with
motorcycle registrations increasing by over 60 percent from
1998 to 2005. The rising popularity of motorcycles can be
attributed to the benefits of motorcycle usage, including
greater fuel-efficiency. In addition, motorcycle usage leads to
decreased roadway congestion, and inflicts very little wear and
tear on our nation's roadways. The United States is the world
leader in advancing motorcycle safety, promoting education,
licensing, use of protective gear, and motorcycle awareness.
With the warmer spring weather arriving, the number of
motorcycles on the roads will increase significantly. This will
require increased alertness and awareness on the part of
passenger vehicle drivers. Public awareness of motorcycle
safety benefits everyone that uses the nation's roadways, not
just motorcyclists, because it can lead to a decrease in car-
motorcycle crashes. NHTSA's statistics have found that per
vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are roughly 37 times more
likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash.
In 2007, motorcycle rider fatalities increased for the
tenth straight year. According to NHTSA, between 1997 and 2007,
there were 38,566 motorcyclist fatalities and 756,000
motorcyclist injuries on U.S. roadways. In 2007 alone, there
were 5,154 motorcycle fatalities and 103,000 injuries, up from
2,116 fatalities and 53,000 injuries in 1997.
Throughout Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, riders will
be educated on the importance of following the rules of the
roadway, being alert to other drivers, and always wearing
protective gear, such as a helmet. NHTSA estimates that helmets
saved 1,784 motorcyclists' lives in 2007, and that 800 more
lives could have been saved if motorcyclists involved in fatal
non-helmeted crashes had worn helmets.
SUMMARY OF THE LEGISLATION
H. Res. 269 expresses support for the goals of Motorcycle
Safety Awareness Month, recognizes the important contribution
motorcycles bring to the variety of transportation options,
encourages all road users to be more aware of motorcycles and
motorcyclists' safety, and encourages all riders to receive
appropriate training and practice safe riding skills at all
times.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY AND COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION
On March 19, 2009, Representative Gabrielle Giffords
introduced H. Res. 269.
On April 2, 2009, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure met in open session to consider H. Res. 269. The
Committee ordered H. Res. 269 reported favorably to the House
by voice vote with a quorum present.
In the 110th Congress, Representative Michael C. Burgess
introduced H. Res. 339 on April 26, 2007. On May 15, 2008, the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met in open
session to consider H. Res. 339. The Committee agreed to the
resolution and ordered it reported favorably to the House by
voice vote with a quorum present. On May 19, 2008, the
Committee reported the resolution to the House. H. Rept. 110-
655. On May 21, 2008, the House agreed to H. Res. 339 by voice
vote.
RECORD VOTES
Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives
requires each committee report to include the total number of
votes cast for and against on each recorded vote on a motion to
report and on any amendment offered to the measure or matter,
and the names of those members voting for and against. There
were no recorded votes taken in connection with considering H.
Res. 269 or ordering the resolution reported. A motion to order
H. Res. 269 reported favorably to the House was agreed to by
voice vote with a quorum present.
COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS
With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(1) of rule
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the
Committee's oversight findings and recommendations are
reflected in this report.
COST OF LEGISLATION
With respect to the requirements of clause 3(d)(2) of rule
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, H. Res. 269
is a House resolution, and therefore does not have the force of
law. As such, there is no cost associated with this legislation
for fiscal year 2009, or for any fiscal year thereafter.
COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XIII
1. With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(2) of
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, and
308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee
advises that the resolution contains no measure that authorizes
funding, so no comparison of the total estimated funding level
for the relevant programs to the appropriate levels under
current law is required.
2. With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(4) of
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the
Committee advises that the resolution contains no measure that
authorizes funding, so no statement of general performance
goals and objectives for any measure that authorizes funding is
required.
3. With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(3) of
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and
section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the
Committee advises that the resolution contains no measure that
authorizes funding, so no cost estimate nor comparison for any
measure that authorizes funding is required.
COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XXI
Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House
of Representatives, H. Res. 269 does not contain any
congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff
benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of rule XXI
of the Rules of the House of Representatives.
CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT
With respect to clause (3)(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, H. Res. 269 is a resolution of
the House of Representatives and therefore does not have the
force of law. As such, clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII does not
apply.
FEDERAL MANDATES STATEMENT
H. Res. 269 contains no federal mandates.
PREEMPTION CLARIFICATION
Section 423 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974
requires the report of any Committee on a bill or joint
resolution to include a statement on the extent to which the
bill or joint resolution is intended to preempt state, local,
or tribal law. The Committee states that H. Res. 269 does not
preempt any state, local, or tribal law.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT
No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b)
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act are created by this
resolution.
APPLICABILITY TO THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
The Committee finds that the resolution does not relate to
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public
services or accommodations within the meaning of section
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law
104-1).
CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED
H. Res. 269 makes no changes in existing law.