Blog Post:
The Iowa Legislature is currently considering a bill that would establish standard penalties for drivers who cause fatal crashes with bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users. This bill, known as HF422, would ensure that drivers who kill or seriously injure bicyclists face penalties that are commensurate with the harm they cause.
Currently, Iowa law provides enhanced penalties for drivers who cause serious injury or death while driving under the influence or while fleeing law enforcement, but there are no standard penalties for drivers who cause harm through negligence or other reckless behavior.
HF422 would change that by establishing a framework for standard penalties for negligent driving resulting in death or serious injury. Under the proposed legislation, drivers who cause the death or serious injury of a bicyclist, pedestrian, or other vulnerable road users could face a fine of up to $7,500 and up to 10 years in prison.
This bill is a critical step forward for bicyclists’ rights in Iowa. Currently, drivers who kill or seriously injure bicyclists are often only charged with minor traffic violations, even when their actions clearly constitute gross negligence or recklessness. The lack of standard penalties for these types of incidents sends the message that bicyclists’ lives are not valued as highly as those of other road users.
By establishing standard penalties for these types of incidents, Iowa can send a clear message that the lives and safety of bicyclists are a priority. It’s time for Iowa to join the growing number of states that have recognized the importance of protecting vulnerable road users and holding negligent drivers accountable.
If you support the establishment of standard penalties for drivers who cause harm to bicyclists, we urge you to contact your state representative and ask them to support HF422. You can use our action center at www.iowabikeaction.org to find your representative and send a message urging them to vote in favor of this important legislation. Together, we can make Iowa’s roads safer for everyone.
Social Media Posts:
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