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2011 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 331
Designating April 29, in 2011 and in each succeeding year, as Light Rail Safety Day in Virginia.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, February 2, 2011
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 22, 2011
 

WHEREAS, The Tide light rail system in Norfolk is the first light rail system in the Commonwealth and marks the beginning of a new era for public transit in Hampton Roads; and

WHEREAS, citizens who interact with The Tide, including passengers, bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians, should do so safely by knowing and obeying important safety rules and avoiding risky and illegal behaviors; and

WHEREAS, research by the Transit Cooperative Research Program, through the Transportation Research Board of the National Research Council and sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration, demonstrates that public education programs are important to promoting awareness and safe behavior when on and around light rail systems; and

WHEREAS, based on industry best practices and the unique system features of The Tide, Hampton Roads Transit’s public education program uses the acronym S.A.F.E.T.Y. to instruct persons of all ages about light rail safety; and

WHEREAS, S.A.F.E.T.Y. messages are: Stay Alert, Don’t Get Hurt; Anytime is Train Time; Forget Shortcuts; Everyone Should Obey Signs and Signals; Tracks are for Trains; and You! Safety Starts with You; and

WHEREAS, Operation Lifesaver, Incorporated, the public education program established in 1972 and operating in 49 states and six countries to end collisions, deaths, and injuries at places where roadways cross train tracks and on railroad rights-of-way, has trained, certified, and prepared Hampton Roads Transit light rail safety presenters, messages, and materials; and

WHEREAS, in addition to collaborating with other public, private, and community stakeholders to teach and promote light rail safety, Hampton Roads Transit has successfully worked with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to include light rail safety information in the Virginia Driver’s Manual, in online sample tests, and at DMV locations throughout Hampton Roads; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly designate April 29, in 2011 and in each succeeding year, as Light Rail Safety Day in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the General Assembly encourage citizens throughout Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth to engage in safe behavior when interacting with The Tide light rail system by knowing the S.A.F.E.T.Y. acronym and obeying its supporting safety messages; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the Senate post the designation of this day on the General Assembly’s website.