05/09/06
 

Written by Cindy Davidson, but from both of us.
jp

To my fellow Abate Members,

We have decided to pull the ROW bill. No one in this organization is more disappointed or upset with this turn of events than I am. As a ROW survivor, this bill was very important to me. I have learned thru the years to never give up - just go after it from a different angle. After spending time with the committee members, I had a meeting with Senator Southerland. He, John, and I all felt it was necessary to pull the ROW bill out of the Senate committee. That effectively kills it. I spent time yesterday and today with each member and it is clear they just don't understand the reason why we need this kind of bill. With all the bills in front of them because of the messed up session this year, they do not have the time to research it or spend time talking about it. Had we decided to go ahead with it, it would have lost in the Finance committee by a vote of 10 to 1.

Senator Southerland and I came up with a game plan for this bill next year. He feels confident that if we execute this plan correctly, we will have no problem getting it through. This is where CMT/ABATE comes in. It is time to stop talking and start taking action.

I have outlined our strategy:

1. Right now, no more talk to our legislators about the ROW bill.
2. Gather Data on ROW accidents across the state this year:
   a. Victims name and address
   b. Injuries incurred
   c. Right of Way violation
   d. Charges given
   e. Guilty/not guilty
   f. Fine and/or punishment

WE NEED TO FOLLOW EACH CASE THROUGH TO THE END

3. Bring more attention to and Safety and Education Program
   a. Fully support our Campaign Save a Life
   b. Get the media more involved
   c. Put on Safety and Awareness runs.
4. We need to get behind the elections going on this year.  I suggest we have a meeting about the election the weekend of the 27, which will give us time to get all info needed on candidates.
5. Gather all ROW laws from other states and compare them.
6. We will be having a meeting with Senator Southerland the 2nd week in January to write the bill and submit it.
7. We will start lobbying the bill as soon as it is written.

I feel these measures will help in our fight for our freedom from the helmet also. We need to ask ourselves if passing the ROW bill and the helmet bill is worth getting our charters fired up to achieve these goals. If you have any ideas on these goals, or misunderstanding about today's events, please call me at 615 325 5041 or 615 207 2256 or email me at c_davidson@bellsouth.net

When you become aware of any ROW related crash in your area, please notify me. We can't track them if we don't know about them.

Ride Safe

Cindy Davidson
Safety and Education Officer