TITLE: Expressing the importance of pedestrian safety and driver awareness and welcoming the American Council of the Blind to the Capitol.

SUMMARY: Expressing the importance of pedestrian safety and driver awareness and welcoming the American Council of the Blind to the Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, While any pedestrian may be injured by a car, blind or visually impaired pedestrians are especially at risk, and members of the American Council of the Blind are visiting the State Capitol today to help raise awareness of this important issue; and WHEREAS, Visually impaired pedestrians, who tend to make up a higher percentage of the pedestrian population because they cannot drive, encounter hazards that pedestrians with average vision can easily avoid, many of which involve crossing streets and roadways; and WHEREAS, It is not uncommon for pedestrians who are visually impaired to be struck by a car's side-view mirror or to have their white canes or guide dogs hit by a car, and men and women have suffered serious personal injury and even death as the result of being hit by a motor vehicle; and WHEREAS, In a recent national survey, some 20 percent of motorists reported being unaware that it is the law to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, and according to AAA, aggressive and careless driving, which already accounts for some 20,000 deaths in the United States each year, is on the rise; and WHEREAS, During the 81st Texas Legislature, Regular Session, the American Council of the Blind and other groups successfully advocated for the passage of House Bill 1343, which amended state law to increase the penalties incurred by motorists who cause serious bodily injury or death to blind pedestrians; and WHEREAS, It is vital that Texas motorists use special caution when approaching an intersection or crosswalk and be aware that although they can see pedestrians, many pedestrians cannot see them; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby express the importance of pedestrian safety and driver awareness and welcome members of the American Council of the Blind to the State Capitol. Straus Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1660 was adopted by the House on May 6, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House