AMA ‘Justice for All’ Rolls into California
California has enacted a law supporting the goals of the American Motorcyclist Association’s “Justice for All” campaign.
California SB-1021, which was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, imposes additional fines when a motorist is convicted of a traffic offense that causes “bodily injury” or “serious bodily injury” to another person. The new law also mandates that the California Driver’s Handbook and the curriculum of traffic-violator schools include information about “respecting the right-of-way of others, particularly pedestrians, bicycle riders, and motorcycle riders.”
“California’s new law shows what can be accomplished when lawmakers and motorcyclists work together,” said Nick Haris, AMA Western States Representative. “Riders nationwide have embraced the goals of ‘Justice for All’ to get laws passed, state by state, and we believe that this momentum will continue to build.”
California joins 15 other states in passing legislation that supports the goals of Justice for All: Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
In related news, the AMA recently released a new video public-service announcement that reminds motorists to watch for motorcycles when they drive.
The 30-second PSA — which also is available in 20- and 10-second versions — depicts a distracted driver’s near-collision with a passing motorcyclist who, as the driver learns later that day, is his dentist.
Produced by SOS Video Communications of Columbus, Ohio, the PSA is intended for free distribution to television networks and local stations nationwide. Interior scenes were recorded at the dental offices of AMA member Dr. Doug Kowalczyk, and AMA Life Member Colter Rule contributed his well-known voice to the project.
“Motorcycle-related fatalities have increased for eight straight years, and we know that one-third of motorcycle crashes are the result of another motorist violating the motorcyclist’s right-of-way,” said AMA Public Information Director Tom Lindsay. “We believe that this PSA will speak to drivers in a memorable way, and we hope that broadcasters will join us in making motorists aware of their role in reducing the number of crashes.”
