A U.S. lawmaker has introduced a bill to not only end funding for
motorcycle-only checkpoints but also to put more emphasis on motorcycle
safety programs, the American Motorcyclist Association reports.
On
May 7, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) introduced H.R. 1861 to
prohibit the U.S. Transportation Department from providing funds to
state and local authorities for motorcycle-only checkpoints. The bill,
called the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act, also includes
language that demands U.S. transportation officials focus motorcycle
safety efforts on crash prevention programs rather than national helmet
mandates.
"Current law states that highway safety plans must
prevent accidents and reduce injuries," Sensenbrenner said. "The Stop
Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act would require highway safety plans to
include programs that prevent accidents in order to reduce injuries and
deaths resulting from accidents involving motor vehicles and
motorcycles.
"This small change will make a significant impact
because it highlights that preventing accidents is the best way to save
motorcyclists’ lives," he said.
