The United Nations’ General Assembly passed a resolution April 10 titled “Improving Global Road Safety.” Ambassador Suzanne Powers, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, agreed to cosponsor the resolution that “calls for laws to fight texting and driving."

 

The resolution also contains language calling for mandatory helmet laws and harmonization of vehicle regulations in the name of “safety.” This resolution is non-binding, but the American Motorcyclist Association wants people to be aware of the international momentum for laws and regulations that might affect them in the future.

The resolution encourages member states “that have not yet done so to consider enacting comprehensive legislation on key risk factors for road traffic injuries, including the disregard for road signs and signals, the non-use of helmets… ."

It also commends the work of the UN Economic Commission for Europe for its “continuous work of the World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations to modify vehicle regulations to increase safety performance."

Much of the work performed by this body is worthwhile. However, some agenda items may interfere with your right to customize your motorcycle.

The distracted driving language calls for member states to enact comprehensive legislation concerning inappropriate use of cell phones, including texting, while driving.

The AMA supports efforts to curtail distracted driving, which presents a serious threat to motorcyclists.