The Washington State Senate on Feb. 19 adopted Senate Resolution 8,692 recognizing May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Senator McEwen, who moved adoption, told colleagues the resolution highlights both riders' community contributions and a safety concern: "About 3% of our registered vehicles in the state are motorcycles, yet they account for 15% of the fatalities in our state," McEwen said, urging motorists to "exercise extra caution." Senator Richeli voiced support and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
The resolution text, presented by the secretary, underscores statewide efforts to promote safety programs and partnerships with agencies such as the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Transportation. Sponsors framed the observance as an opportunity to remind drivers to check mirrors and signals and to recognize the charitable work of many riders.
The motion to dispense with the reading of the journal and other routine procedural business preceded the resolution. The Senate adopted the measure without a recorded roll-call vote; the record shows a voice vote ('The ayes have it').
Action taken: SR 8,692 adopted by voice vote. The Senate proceeded to other business.