Legislation
GOVERNOR ED RENDELL SIGNS HB 873
WHICH INCREASES THE PENALTIES FOR CARELESS DRIVING OFFENSES THAT KILL OR
SERIOUSLY INJURE OTHERS
Today December 8, 2005 Governor Ed Rendell
signed HB 873 into law.
On 11-20-2004 the House concurred in Senate
amendments to House Bill 873 by a vote of 192-2. House Bill 873 will
establish an increased fine of $500 and a 6 month license suspension for
persons convicted of careless driving when the offender unintentionally causes
the death of another person.
Careless driving offenses that result in
serious bodily injury to another person would carry a $250 fine and a three
month license suspension.
Under current state law, a conviction of
careless driving results only in a fine of $25 plus cost and fees, as well as
three points on the person's driving record. No further penalties
currently exist if a death or serious injury occurs as a result of this
violation.
"If a tragedy occurs because of a driver's
careless action, even though those actions were unintentional, then there
should be serious consequences," said Representative Rick Geist,
who chairs the House Transportation Committee. "We have to
reinforce the notion that drivers must be alert and responsible behind the
wheel. Tragic things can happen in an instant if you aren't."
Representative Teresa Forcier had introduced HB
181 and Senator John Wozniak introduced SB 1094, both bills provided for
additional penalties for right-of-way violations. After meeting with
Rep. Geist it was decided to amend HB 873 with the provisions A.B.A.T.E. was
seeking in both HB 181 and SB 1094.
HB 873 was endorsed by both A.B.A.T.E. of PA,
the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education and the AMA, the American
Motorcyclist Association. A.B.A.T.E. pursued the increase in
penalties as part of the AMA's national "Justice for All" program.
Thanks are in order to all those that contacted
their legislators and asked their support of HB 873.
Click For Turnpike
Survey
2001-2002
Legislative Agenda
1.
We will continue our dialog with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to
reduce the tolls for motorcycles using the
turnpike. The Turnpike Commission has agreed to incorporate a complete review
of the motorcycle class designation as part of an upcoming value pricing
study. Representative John Maher (R-40) will continue to be our contact in the
House on this matter
2.
Turnpike Easy Access – Motorcycles and Class I vehicles are presently
able to use the new E-Z Pass system initiated on December 2, 2000.
No further action needed on this item.
3.
A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania has been approached by the American
Motorcyclists Association to participate in a program called “Motorcyclists
Matter” Initiative: Putting A
Stop To Right-of Way Violations.
We will be asking to have legislation introduced to enhance penalties
for right-of-way violations.
4.
Motorcycle Awareness – Patterning the initiative after Virginia’s
VCOM/A.B.A.T.E. success in this area, we want motorcycle awareness taught in
every driver’s ed class taught in the state.
In addition, we want motorcycle awareness questions on the licensing
exam.
5.
Increase funding for the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program – The
program is funded by a $2 surcharge on motorcycle learner permits and class M
licenses. That means anyone with
a motorcycle permit or license can take the MSF’s MRC or ERC course for
free. In fact, permit holders who
pass the MRC can be licensed right on the spot by the site coordinators.
Last year the PMSC trained over 14,000 riders.
But that was the maximum available funds would allow and we have around
750,000 licensed motorcycle operators in the state, with more coming on board
every year. Last year, the state
extended the valid time period for a permit from 6 months to a year.
That means, that fewer learner permits will be issued and the program
will be getting less funding. A.B.A.T.E.
of Pennsylvania’s commitment to motorcycle safety demands that we propose an
increase in the surcharge so that more riders can be properly trained in this
extremely important program.
6.
DUI Campaign – A package that consist of three posters, a position
paper on motorcycle safety and awareness, Operation Save A Life Program
information, a Share the Road placard a
cover letter from our state coordinator and key fobs which bear the DUI
– You Can’t Afford It logo will be distributed to motorcycle shops,
schools and other interested parties.
1.
Helmet Modification – Bills will be introduced in both Houses.
Sponsor
Senator Bell
Bill # SB 151____ Printers
# 157______
Sponsor_______________Bill #___________ Printers #__________
Sponsor_______________Bill #___________ Printers #__________
Sponsor_______________Bill #___________ Printers #__________
2.
Equal Access – A bill that would prohibit places of public
accommodation, such as hotels, from denying services to individuals based on
ownership or operation of a motorcycle, or the wearing of
motorcycle-associated clothing.
Sponsor_______________Bill
#___________ Printers #__________
Sponsor_______________Bill #___________ Printers #__________
Sponsor_______________Bill
#___________ Printers #__________
3.
Handlebar Height - A bill to amend the present restriction on handlebar
heights. The original law was
enacted years ago to discriminate against chopper riders.
Sponsor_______________Bill
#___________ Printers #__________
Sponsor_______________Bill #___________ Printers #__________
Sponsor_______________Bill
#___________ Printers #__________
4.
Covered Loads – There are several laws dealing with covered loads
already on the books. We are
looking to introduce a bill that will increase compliance with the law.
Sponsor_______________Bill
#___________ Printers #__________
Sponsor_______________Bill #___________ Printers #__________
Sponsor_______________Bill
#___________ Printers #__________
5.
Motorcycle Parking Legislation – In the last session Representative
Rick Geist (R-79) Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, sponsored HB
2504, a bill which would enable two or more motorcycles to park within the
same parking space without the risk of being arbitrarily ticketed.
This legislation became part of the Transportation Omnibus Bill that
passed both Houses during the Lame Duck Session last year.
The Governor does not have line item veto.
Therefore, it’s all or nothing.
Citing a few pages worth of objections, Governor Tom Ridge vetoed the
203 page Transportation Bill. A
new bill has been introduced this session.
(See page 15 of SB 238)
Sponsor
Sen, Tomlinson_ Bill # SB
238____ Printers # 82_______
Sponsor_______________Bill
#___________ Printers #__________
Sponsor_______________Bill #___________ Printers #__________
Sponsor_______________Bill
#___________ Printers #__________
6.
Veteran’s Plates for Motorcycles – Many veterans have expressed an
interest in obtaining a special license plate which designates them as a
“veteran”. A sponsor for this
bill is presently being sought.
Sponsor_______________Bill
#___________ Printers #__________
Sponsor_______________Bill #___________ Printers #__________
Sponsor_______________Bill
#___________ Printers #__________
SAMPLE LETTER
Your Address
City, State, Zip
Date
The Honorable (full name)
Office Address (Local or
Capitol)
City, State, Zip
Dear [Representative] or
[Senator] (last name)
I hope you will support HB 568
when it is up for consideration. HB568 will allow voluntary use
of helmets by motorcyclists over age 21 in Pennsylvania.
I feel strongly that
Pennsylvania’s adult motorcyclists should be allowed to
decide when to wear helmets while operating their motorcycles.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Your name
