MAY 2012
A publication supporting the rights, safety and freedom of all motorcyclists through education and legislation
VOLUME XXI, ISSUE I
texting while driving...
Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Permit #1662 Phoenix, AZ
reps still on fence
So, thank you Arizona for allowing us to ride free.
abateofaz.org
ABATE of AZ. 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ 85020
Before anything else, I would like to thank all of you for giving me the opportunity to attend NCOM this year. It was held in Indianapolis and the speakers presented a variety of issues, some of which we as ABATE of Arizona haven’t had to deal with…yet.
Some states have law enforcement blatantly profiling motorcyclists as criminals and pulling them over for any number of “violations”. I hope you noticed that I said motorcyclists, all motorcyclists; not just those on crotch rockets or those with patches or those who ride on Sunday to go to breakfast.
It seems as though our legislators never turn down the opportunity to amaze and confuse. As you all know the motorcycling community has been discussing the pros and cons of a bill that would ban texting while driving in Arizona. On March 5th the House “mistakenly” voted to pass a bill that would ban texting while driving. Within an hour they voted again, this time to defeat the bill. Apparently the bill originally contained the requirements for when officers have to complete traffic accident reports and as an add-on, the texting issue was addressed. When they realized the texting ban was included they quickly squashed the bill.
In fairness to the House, the texting while driving has been batted back and forth for years. Critics say that drivers should be able to make their own decision and government should not “micromanage” and there should be a delicate balance between liberties and protecting lives. The divide is not strictly along party lines, we have some who say that a
driver should have the same duty to stop texting while driving as they do to stop drinking while driving. One legislator said, “I would have been in favor of the bill if it applied only to minors or was designed to apply to the multitude of activities that can distract drivers.”
Personally, I’m certain that we haven’t heard the last of this debate. Even though most of us do use our phones while driving, whether once in a while or constantly, we can’t forget that when a car or truck hits a motorcycle, it usually isn’t the motorcycle that wins.
To anyone really interested in politics and what other states’ motorcycling issues are I suggest that you begin to get involved. The next time chapter or state elections come up, raise your hand, take an officer position, and go to some of the other chapters’ meetings. It takes some time, but you will learn so much and really begin to feel you can be a part of the solution. Carole O’Reilly ABATE Designated Lobbyist