Joint resolution to authorize and request the President to establish a "National Bicentennial Highway Safety Year".
PL 94-322 (H.J.Res.726), enacted 06/30/1976

PUBLIC LAW 94-322—JUNE 30, 1976 
90 STAT. 715 
Public Law 94-322 
94th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
To authorize and request the President to establish a "National Bicentennial 
Highway Safety Year". 
Whereas 1976 will mark the two hundredth anniversary of the found-
ing of our Nation; and 
Whereas the President of the United States has called for the Bicen-
tennial celebration to be an occasion for redefining and rededicating 
ourselves to our common purposes; and 
Whereas a central and unifying theme for the Nation's two hundredth 
commemoration is improving the quality of life in America; and 
Whereas the carnage on our highways each year exacts an appalling 
toll in lives, injuries, and national treasure; and 
Whereas the two million Americans who have died on the Nation's 
highways since the beginning of the automobile age far exceed the 
combined totals of all the fatalities suffered in all the wars that this 
country has fought since its founding; and 
Whereas hundreds of millions of Americans—men, women, and 
children—are planning to see and participate in Bicentennial 
activities; and 
Whereas twenty million visitors from abroad are expected to travel 
to this country in order to join in our Bicentennial celebration; and 
Whereas the overwhelming majority of those participating in Bicen-
tennial related activities will travel on the Nation's roadways; and 
Whereas emphasis on highway safety during our Nation's two hun-
dredth anniversary is absolutely essential to assure that 1976 does 
not become a year of unparalleled carnage and slaughter; and 
Whereas the Congress of the United States has provided the legis-
lative mandate and the financial means for substantially reducing 
highway accidents, injuries, and fatalities: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved hy the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assemhled^ That the President is hereby 
authorized and requested to issue a proclamation designating the 
twelve-month period commencing with the calendar month beginning 
after the date of the enactment of this Act as the "National Bicen-
tennial Highway Safety Year" and call upon all Americans, in all 
walks of life, in both the public and private sectors, to participate 
in programs and activities conducted in connection with such year: 
Be it further 
Resolved, That it is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) each month of the National Bicentennial Highway Safety 
Year shall focus on a specific area of activity which offers the 
prospect of achieving substantial reductions in accidents, injuries, 
and fatalities on our Nation's highways during the Nation's 
Bicentennial celebration and in succeeding years, as follows: 
(A) January—Safety Education; 
(B) February—^Safer Bridges; 
(C) March—Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety; 
(D) April—Pavement Marking and Delineation; 
(E) May—Highway Hazard Removal; 
^F) June—Safety Belts and Child Restraints; 
(G) July—Safer Driving; 
June 30, 1976 
[HJ. Res. 726] 
National 
Bicentennial 
Highway Safety 
Year. 
Designation 
authorization. 
90 STAT. 716 
PUBLIC LAW 94-322—JUNE 30, 1976 
(H) August—Roadside Obstacle Elimination; 
(I) September—Save Our Children; 
(J) October—Signs and Signals; 
(K) November—Railroad Crossing Protection; and 
(L) December—Alcohol and Problem Drinkers; and 
(2) the projects and programs of the National Bicentennial 
Highway Safety Year shall be formulated so as to involve indi-
viduals, groups, and public and private sector organizations 
where they live, where they work, where they travel, and where 
they operate in order that the lif 
esaving aims, goals, and priorities 
of the National Bicentennial Highway Safety Year may be 
vigorously pursued and fully realized; and be it further 
Resolved^ That the lives saved and injuries prevented through this 
national effort shall symbolize the rededication of the American people 
to living and working together in a spirit of mutual cooperation, 
harmony, dignity, and respect in order to achieve better, healthier, 
happier lives for all. 
Approved June 30, 1976. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 
HOUSE REPORT No. 94-980 (Comm. on Post Office and Civil Service). 
SENATE REPORT No. 94-946 (Comm. on the Judiciary). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 122 (1976): 
Apr. 5, considered and passed House. 
June 16, considered and passed Senate.