86R7699 ST-D

By: Bailes H.C.R. No. 36

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Each February, Hit-and-Run Awareness Month is observed throughout the nation to highlight the danger these accidents pose to the public and the often tragic toll they can exact on families and communities; and

WHEREAS, An average of 682,000 hit-and-run incidents have taken place in the United States each year since 2006; a record-high 2,049 deaths occurred from these crashes in 2016, with pedestrians and cyclists accounting for most of the fatalities; and

WHEREAS, In Texas, the state Transportation Code specifies that drivers are legally obligated to stop if they are involved in an accident of any kind, and failure to do so can result in a second degree felony charge; nonetheless, Texas ranks eighth in the nation in the number of hit-and-run crashes; and

WHEREAS, The heartbreaking loss of East Texas resident Josey Lynn Scott offers an example of the terrible consequences that can result from a hit-and-run; a 2013 graduate of Tarkington High School, where she served as FFA president during her senior year, Ms. Scott went on to enroll at Angelina College with the goal of becoming a dental hygienist; this vibrant young woman relished hunting, fishing, riding horses, and other outdoor activities, and she was active in the Christian Cowboy Fellowship Church in Cleveland, Texas; on February 10, 2015, while jogging along FM 2666 near Shepherd, she was struck from behind by a vehicle; the driver fled without rendering assistance, and Ms. Scott died at the scene at the age of 19; and

WHEREAS, In the aftermath of the tragedy, Ms. Scott's family started the "Justice for Josey" campaign, which has worked to focus attention on the issue and to provide support for other victims and their families; additionally, the organization has fought for tougher laws for offenders who leave the scene of a crash; and

WHEREAS, Increased public awareness is key to reducing the number of hit-and-run injuries and fatalities, and it is indeed appropriate that February be officially designated as Hit-and-Run Awareness Month and that all Texans be encouraged to affirm their commitment to making our roadways safer for all; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate February as Hit-and-Run Awareness Month and pay tribute to the memory of Josey Lynn Scott; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section 391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the date that this resolution is finally passed by the legislature.