LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2012, as Youth Traffic Safety Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2012, as Youth Traffic
Safety Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, 5,474 people were killed in crashes involving driver
distraction, and an estimated 448,000 were injured; 16% of fatal crashes
in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving; and
WHEREAS, Teen drivers are more likely than other age groups to be
involved in a fatal crash where distraction is reported; each year, 21%
of fatal car crashes involving teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19
were the result of cell phone usage; this result has been expected to
grow as much as 4% every year; and
WHEREAS, Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely
to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves; driving while
using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with
driving by 37%; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 86% of drivers said they ate or drank while
driving at some point, and 57% said they do it sometimes or often; and
WHEREAS, 41% of adult drivers have set or changed a GPS system while
driving, and 21% do it frequently; and
WHEREAS, Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road
while texting; when traveling at 55 miles per hour, that is enough time
to cover the length of a football field; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, there were over 10,000 deaths nationally related to
drunk driving; and
WHEREAS, In Erie County an average of 8-10% of all DWI arrests involve
drivers under the age of 21; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, New York State had 45 DWI fatalities who were under
the age of 21; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, there were 279 DUI arrests in New York State for
those 18 and younger; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious issue, and more must be done to increase knowledge and
attentiveness at both the State and local levels to support and protect
our youth, our most precious resource; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2012, as Youth
Traffic Safety Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.