WHEREAS, law-enforcement officers and first responders face many dangers in their honorable mission to protect and serve the citizens of and visitors to the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, since 2003, 138 on-duty law-enforcement officers nationwide have been struck and killed while working on highways; it is the fourth largest cause of death for law-enforcement officers in the country; and

WHEREAS, since 2007, the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Transportation have been involved with the Move Over or Slow Down Campaign to educate members of the public on the Move Over law, which was enacted to protect law-enforcement officers and first responders stopped on the side of a highway; and

WHEREAS, despite the fact that Move Over laws have been enacted in all 50 states, statistics indicate that approximately 71 percent of Americans are not aware of these laws; the Move Over or Slow Down Campaign is dedicated to educating the public on how these laws can help save the lives of both first responders and motorists; and

WHEREAS, the Move Over or Slow Down Campaign has used a wide variety of methods to distribute its message to great effect, including highway signage, conferences and presentations, public safety announcements, media interviews, and printed materials; and

WHEREAS, the Move Over or Slow Down Campaign has also sought valuable partnerships with numerous organizations and companies to help ensure that motorists achieve the right mindset; and

WHEREAS, through awareness and proper education, members of the public can make significant strides toward accomplishing the campaign's motto to "Help Protect Those Who Protect You"; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly designate June, in 2014 and in each succeeding year, as Move Over Awareness Month in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to Captain Richard A. Denney of the Virginia State Police so that members of the Virginia State Police may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the Senate post the designation of this month on the General Assembly's website.