HR0629 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0629 LRB094 14222 CSA 49130 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Traffic fatalities needlessly claimed the lives of more than 42,636 people, almost all of whom are someone's friend, family, and most beloved in 2004; and

WHEREAS, Traffic crashes have claimed 421,779 lives in the last ten years, January 1, 1995 through December 31, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Fifty-six percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes are not wearing safety belts; and

WHEREAS, Roadside hazards, substandard road conditions, and obsolete roadway designs contribute to more than 15,000 highway deaths annually, which represents more than 35 percent of all fatal crashes; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 1,925,000 people are injured in traffic crashes in the United States each year; and

WHEREAS, There are more than 6,000,000 nonfatal traffic crashes in the United States each year; and

WHEREAS, Deaths and injuries on highways in the United States cost more than $230,000,000,000 annually; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, 4,641 pedestrians and 725 bicyclists were killed in traffic-related crashes; and

WHEREAS, Roadway safety improvements can reduce the number and severity of crashes; and

WHEREAS, Continued development of safer vehicles and protective equipment can reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries; and

WHEREAS, Cooperation between federal, State, and local governments, private entities, and associations is essential to increasing highway safety; and

WHEREAS, Congress overwhelmingly approved H.R. 3, "Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users", legislation reauthorizing highway, transit, and safety programs; and

WHEREAS, Safe driving behaviors such as:

Before you put yourself behind the wheel:

1. Ensuring your vehicle is safe, e.g., clean and properly maintained,

2. Allowing yourself enough time to arrive safely,

3. Being physically sound and mentally sharp,

Before you start the ignition:

4. Always buckling your safety belt,

5. Maintaining clear sight picture,

While driving:

6. Paying complete attention to driving,

7. Following signals, signs, and striping,

8. Maintaining safe speed for conditions and safe following distance,

9. Being a courteous and conscientious driver,

10. Being a defensive driver can reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries; and

WHEREAS, The establishment of a Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day would encourage safer drivers, safer vehicles, and safer roads; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize October 10, 2005 as Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day in Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the people of Illinois and interested groups to observe the day by practicing and promoting safe driving behaviors and with appropriate programs and activities.