After 7 Years, Finally a Vote for Maryland's Vehicular Manslaughter Bill

From Change.org

For seven years, accident victim and cycling/walking advocates have been trying to close a flagrant loophole in Maryland's law to make the road safer for bikers, pedestrians and all who use the road. And for six years running, the bill would get stuck in the same committee. Over and over again.

Now, for the first time ever, the State House Judiciary committee plans to finally vote on the bill. Approval would set the stage for passage by the House by April, a gigantic leap forward towards passing this law.

Almost 5,000 people have already signed a Change.org petition urging the House to pass the bill. The petition was started by Kenniss Henry, whose only child, 30-year-old Natasha Pettigrew, was killed by a hit-and-run motorist on her bicycle last Fall. As Maryland's law stands now, no matter how reckless the behavior, short of drunkenness, the driver is likely to get off with merely a traffic violation and minimal fine. The new law would close this loophole, introducing jail time for criminally reckless drivers who kill others with their behavior.

As Bike Maryland states: "There have been far too many fatalities on Maryland roads. Motorists are not penalized adequately and get off with a minor traffic court slap on the hand." 

If you live in Maryland, there is an urgent action still to be taken. Call your Delegate today to clearly register your last minute support for the bill.

Here's how: Enter your home address HERE to identify your Delegate - your Delegate will be listed on the left side of the screen. Click on your Delegate's name for contact information. Pick up the phone and make a 2 minute phone call. Let them know you are a constituent and you support House Bill 363. It is not necessary to discuss the bill in more detail.

The bill could come up for a vote any day this week. Please call immediately to register your support. And if you haven't yet—please sign the petition.

Photo credit: Woodleywonderworks via Flickr

http://news.change.org/stories/after-7-years-finally-a-vote-for-marylands-vehicular-manslaughter-bill

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