Bill Text: GA HR562 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Georgians be aware of blind pedestrians; encourage

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 4-2)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2009-03-17 - House Passed/Adopted [HR562 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2009-HR562-Introduced.html

---

09 LC 28 4638

House Resolution 562

By: Representatives Harbin of the 118th, Day of the 163rd, Rogers of the 26th, Hanner of the 148th, Neal of the 1st, and others

A RESOLUTION

Encouraging all Georgians to be aware of blind pedestrians and their rights and directing the Department of Driver Services to review and assess their current efforts to inform new and experienced drivers that persons with visual impairments have the right of way at all times; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, all pedestrians are at risk in the expanding and complex world of the automobile; and

WHEREAS, as the American population ages, more pedestrians will be exposed to the serious risk of death or injury; and

WHEREAS, on October 6, 1964, a joint resolution of the Congress of the United States, HR 753, was signed into law authorizing the President of the United States to proclaim October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day"; and

WHEREAS, Georgia is home to more than 9,000 children who are blind or severely visually impaired and more than 250,000 adults who must depend upon white canes and guide dogs to be able to travel safely and independently to school, employment, and community activities; and

WHEREAS, with the advent and increasing number of smart cars and hybrid vehicles, there is an increasing number of auto accidents involving blind pedestrians, since these cars are quieter and more difficult for a blind person to hear when they are approaching an intersection; and

WHEREAS, all of these factors increase the risk of injury and death for blind pedestrians and need the vigilance of all Georgia drivers to prevent.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body direct the Georgia Department of Driver Services to review and assess their current efforts to inform new and experienced drivers that persons with visual impairments have the right of way at all times.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body are encouraged to renew their awareness of the rights of blind pedestrians and vow to check for blind pedestrians and guide dog users in crosswalks, at intersections when making a right turn on red, and when driving a hybrid vehicle that is quieter than a traditional automobile; to check for blind pedestrians who may be trying to cross a street at an intersection, using a crosswalk, or walking along a road that does not have a sidewalk; and to encourage all Georgians to do the same.