Recognizes April of 2014 as End Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Impact
The resolution does not change any current laws; rather, it seeks to bolster community education initiatives to encourage safe driving behaviors. By aligning with organizations like the Louisiana Association for Justice, HCR71 supports campaigns that aim to reach high school students and community organizations statewide, adapting the messaging to inform and educate potential drivers about the risks associated with distracted driving.
Summary
HCR71 is a House Concurrent Resolution that formally designates April 2014 as 'End Distracted Driving Awareness Month' in Louisiana. This resolution aims to raise public awareness regarding the dangers of distracted driving, which results in thousands of fatalities and injuries each year. The bill highlights the efforts of the End Distracted Driving (EndDD) Student Awareness Initiative, created by Joel Feldman in memory of his daughter, Casey Feldman, who died due to a distracted driver. By recognizing this month, the legislature seeks to promote education on safe driving practices and the serious implications of distractions while driving.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HCR71 is overwhelmingly positive, with strong bipartisan support during the voting process, as evidenced by the unanimous yeas in the Senate vote. Legislators commend the efforts of individuals and organizations involved in the awareness campaigns, acknowledging both the critical need for public education on this issue and the importance of community engagement in promoting traffic safety.
Contention
While the resolution is generally well-received, concerns could arise regarding the effectiveness of awareness campaigns alone in changing driving behaviors compared to stricter enforcement of driving laws. However, the resolution maintains a focus on education rather than legislation, promoting a collaborative effort between advocacy groups, schools, and the state to address and mitigate the problem of distracted driving.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.