HONOLULU – Dedicated to reducing the number of accidents on our streets, I have introducing House Bill 57 to respond to the immediate need to make our roads safer for motorists and pedestrians.
This legislation can be applied to pickups, helmets, video monitor devices, cell phones and MP3 players.
In Regards to Pickup Legislation:
I led the campaign to keep children under 13 years from riding in pickup truck beds. We should now extend that prohibition to all ages. Cargo areas are not designed for passengers. Twenty states
(more) and the District of Columbia do not allow people to ride in back.
In Regards to Helmets:
If Hawaii required helmets on all two-wheeled vehicles – motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters and bicycles - we would save many riders from death and head injuries. Nationwide motorcycle deaths doubled in the ten years from 1995 to 2005. In 2005 alone, fatalities increased 13 percent.
The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that 65 percent of motorcyclists killed in 2005 were not wearing helmets in states without universal helmet laws, compared to 14 percent in states with such laws. The report further adds that helmets can reduce the risk of death by up to 50 percent. These are very convincing statistics.
In Regards to Video Monitors:
LCD panels and video monitors should be located behind the driver so as not to distract the driver. Exceptions can be allowed for vehicle information systems. Drivers can watch entertainment if the vehicle is in park with the parking brake on.
In Regards to Cell Phones:
Mobile telephones should be used only with a hands-free device. There is a great deal of anecdotal information that many accidents involve cell phone use. Exceptions from hands-free devices can be allowed for emergencies.
In Regards to MP3 Players:
Drivers should be prohibited from using portable media player devices, better known as iPods, Achos, Zens, Zunes and other MP3 players while the car is in motion, unless the device is used in conjunction with the car's audio system.
In addition to the following areas of concern, I also stand behind designing and constructing better highways, enacting stronger prohibitions against drunk driving, more stringent licensing laws, and providing more protection for pedestrians.
