K 1534: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 2026, as Motorsports Awareness Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 1534 BY: M. of A. Rules (Gandolfo) MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 2026, as Motorsports Awareness 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 important public safety issues affecting the residents of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 2026, as Motorsports Awareness Month in the State of New York, recognizing efforts to increase public awareness of motorsports safety and responsible riding practices; and WHEREAS, Motorsports have a long history of innovation and technological advancement and continue to enjoy immense popularity throughout the world; and WHEREAS, On January 29, 1886, engineer Carl Benz filed a patent in Berlin, Germany, for a gas-powered vehicle, a milestone widely recognized as marking the birth of the modern automobile; and WHEREAS, The development of early motorized vehicle technology paved the way for the emergence of motorsports and organized automobile racing competitions; and WHEREAS, The safety of recreational riders, agricultural workers, and the general public is of utmost importance to this State; and WHEREAS, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are widely utilized throughout New York State for recreation, agriculture, outdoor work, and transportation across rural communities; and WHEREAS, Through education and awareness of hazards, as well as safe riding practices and procedures, organizations and public safety advocates strive to reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths associated with ATV operation; and WHEREAS, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that there were 2,509 fatal off-highway vehicle incidents between 2019 and 2021, and an estimated 94,700 injuries treated in hospital emergency departments in the United States in 2022; and WHEREAS, Public awareness campaigns, rider education initiatives, and safety training programs play an important role in encouraging the responsible operation of All-Terrain Vehicles and helping to prevent serious injuries and fatalities; and WHEREAS, Motorsports Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to promote rider responsibility, encourage the use of proper safety equipment, and highlight the importance of education and training for ATV operators; and WHEREAS, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, and RideSafe Foundation Powered by BRP have demonstrated a commitment to promoting ATV and rider safety through education, outreach, and public awareness efforts; and WHEREAS, Through continued education and awareness of ATV hazards and responsible riding practices, the State of New York hopes to reduce the number of preventable injuries and fatalities associated with ATV operation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 2026, as Motorsports Awareness Month in the State of New York, recognizing efforts to increase public awareness of motorsports safety and responsible riding practices; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York; Nationwide Children's Hospital; Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company; RideSafe Foundation Powered by BRP; and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association.