General Summary

The resolution designated as H. RES. 1179 seeks to establish May 2024 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. It acknowledges motorcycles as a significant element of the transportation landscape in the United States. The resolution emphasizes the necessity of heightened awareness for motorcycle safety among all road users and encourages the promotion of safety education, training, and proper safety gear for motorcyclists.

Summary of Significant Issues

The resolution addresses several issues related to motorcycle use:

1. Motorcycling as a Popular Activity: It recognizes motorcycling as an activity enjoyed by a substantial portion of the American population, with significant contributions to the transportation mix.

2. Safety Concerns: There is an acknowledgment of the higher incidence of fatalities among motorcyclists compared to passenger vehicle occupants. The proposal underscores the importance of safety measures, including rider education and public awareness campaigns.

3. Role of Motorcyclists in Traffic: The resolution stresses that motorcycles, which are highly fuel-efficient and help reduce traffic congestion, deserve equal consideration on roadways alongside other vehicles.

Impact on the Public Broadly

The resolution aims to promote safer road environments through increased public awareness and education. By fostering greater awareness, the proposal could potentially lead to a reduction in motorcycle-related accidents and fatalities. For the general public, this could mean roads that are not only safer for motorcyclists but also for other road users as awareness campaigns promote road-sharing and safety measures.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Motorcyclists: This group stands to benefit significantly from an official Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Enhanced awareness can lead to safer riding conditions, and the emphasis on education and safety training could lead to better-prepared riders.

• Automobile Drivers: As road safety campaigns target all road users, drivers of passenger vehicles might become more conscious of motorcyclists, fostering more cooperative behavior on the roads.

• Safety and Transportation Organizations: Entities such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration could see the benefit of public safety campaigns aligning with broader traffic safety goals, potentially reducing accident rates.

• Legislators and Policy Makers: This resolution sets a precedent for recognizing specific safety awareness months, which may contribute to broader legislative efforts to improve road safety measures.

In conclusion, H. RES. 1179 serves as a movement towards acknowledging the unique safety needs of motorcyclists while promoting a culture of responsible and shared road use. Although its immediate effects may be limited to raising awareness, it could catalyze longer-term changes in public attitudes and road safety policies.