HOUSE MEMORIAL 85
56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023
INTRODUCED BY
Art De La Cruz and Dayan Hochman-Vigil
A MEMORIAL
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF A VISION ZERO PLAN FOR STATE-OWNED AND -MAINTAINED ROADWAYS IN NEW MEXICO WITH THE GOAL OF ZERO VEHICLE-RELATED DEATHS OR SERIOUS INJURIES BY THE END OF CALENDAR YEAR 2030.
WHEREAS, in 2021, there were four hundred seventy traffic fatalities on New Mexico roads, according to the department of transportation; and
WHEREAS, the most common contributing factors to fatal accidents in New Mexico are speeding, aggressive driving and distracted driving; and
WHEREAS, zero vehicle-related deaths and serious injuries on New Mexico roadways would be a commendable goal;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of transportation be requested to develop a vision zero plan for state-owned and -maintained roadways in New Mexico; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the vision zero plan be requested to achieve an annual traffic safety record with zero vehicle-related deaths or serious injuries by the end of calendar year 2030; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the vision zero plan be requested to include recommendations for amendments to the Motor Vehicle Code or other laws in order to achieve the vision zero goals and an evaluation framework that measures the effectiveness of vision zero efforts, including transportation projects intended to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the vision zero plan be requested to consider the creation of a position of "vision zero coordinator" within the department of transportation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that on or before October 31, 2023, the secretary of transportation report on the status of the vision zero plan to the appropriate interim legislative committee concerning transportation, the legislative finance committee and the governor; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of transportation, the chair of the legislative finance committee and the governor.