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.
