National Call to Action: Federal Helmet Mandates

WASHINGTON, DC --- The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that the US Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation will be marking up The Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2011 (S. 1449). This bill governs the National Highway Transportation Safety Administrations activities. This bill has the potential to greatly affect motorcyclists nationwide. 

There are three provisions that specifically target motorcyclists.

Call your Senators and ask them to:

1. Oppose Lautenberg amendment #1. This amendment would alter the motorcycle safety grant program by forcing states to pass mandatory universal helmet laws and drive federal tax dollars to be used to promote the use of helmets. This provision would make it easier for helmet law states to obtain 2010 grant money. This amendment would provide no money for awareness or training.
 
2. Support DeMint amendments #1 and #18. These amendments protect the NHTSA lobby ban. Under the proposed legislation are provisions to lift this lobby ban.
 
3. Support DeMint amendment #2. The bill, (S 1449) would change the definition of "motor vehicle equipment" to include motorcycle helmets. This would allow States to spend federal money dedicated to "motor vehicle equipment" on motorcycle helmets. The DeMint amendment would keep helmets out of that definition.  
 
Call Now. Time is of the essence. Call you Senators via the capitol switch board at 202-224-3121. 

Of key importance are the Senators on the committee you can contact them directly:  

Senator Rockefeller-WV, 202-224-6472
Senator Kerry-MA, 202-224-2742
Senator Lautenberg-NJ, 202-224-3224
Senator McCaskill-MO, 202-224-6154
Senator Udall-NM, 202-224-5941
Senator Begich-AK, 202-224-3004
Senator Inouye-HI, 202-224-3934
Senator Boxer-CA, 202-224-3553
Senator Cantwell-WA, 202-224-3441
Senator Pryor-AR, 202-224-2353
Senator Klobucher-MN, 202-224-3244 
Senator Hutchinson-TX, 202-224-5922
Senator DeMint-SC, 202-224-6121
Senator Wicker-MS, 202-224-6253
Senator Blunt-MO, 202-224-5721
Senator Toomey-PA, 202-224-4254
Senator Ayotte-NH, 202-224-3324
Senator Snowe-ME, 202-224-5344
Senator Thune- SD, 202-224-2321
Senator Isakson-GA, 202-224-3643
Senator Boozman-AR, 202-224-4843
Senator Marco Rubio-FL, 202-224-3041
Senator Heller-NV, 202-224-6244 

This is of extreme importance. Please call today, Tuesday, December 13th, 2011.

Do not hesitate to contact the MRF should you have any questions. 202 546 0983