H.R. No. 1660
R E S O L U T I O N
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