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2015 SESSION

15101021D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 593
Offered January 14, 2015
Prefiled January 12, 2015
Designating August, in 2015 and in each succeeding year, as Losing Loved Ones in a Tragic Accident Month in Virginia.
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Patrons-- Ransone; Senators: McDougle and Stuart
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Committee Referral Pending
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WHEREAS, there is a clear lack of public understanding of the scope of dangerous driving behaviors and what actually constitutes distracted driving; and

WHEREAS, the reality that people will continue to die on the nation’s roadways until they change their driving behavior means that public education campaigns such as those provided by the National Safety Council are critical to ensure the safety of all citizens; and

WHEREAS, the cost of dangerous driving behaviors, such as distracted driving, has been high for communities in the Commonwealth and throughout the United States; in many cases, multiple family members have been lost in tragic, easily preventable accidents; and

WHEREAS, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, August is one of the deadliest months for traffic crashes; between 2005 and 2012, the highest numbers of fatalities associated with traffic crashes were recorded in July, August, and September; and

WHEREAS, Drive Smart Virginia, founded in 1995 by six of the Commonwealth’s major insurance companies, works to raise awareness and change behavior to improve the lives of all Virginians by making the roads safer; the organization builds strong community partnerships, develops educational campaigns, offers presentations, and advocates for safety initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Virginians are asked to observe Losing Loved Ones in a Tragic Accident Month by honoring individuals and families that have been lost due to traffic crashes and remembering to always drive safely and responsibly; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate August, in 2015 and in each succeeding year, as Losing Loved Ones in a Tragic Accident Month in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to Drive Smart Virginia and those serving in public safety that monitor the safety of Virginia highways and facilitate the promotion of outreach and education so that members of the organizations may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this month on the General Assembly’s website.