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:

  1. It’s time for Iowa to hold accountable those who cause fatal crashes involving bicyclists. Support SF16 and HF422 to establish standard penalties for these tragedies. Learn more and contact your legislator at www.iowabikeaction.org.
  2. Bicyclists deserve the same protections as motorists and pedestrians. Let’s establish standard penalties for fatal crashes involving bicyclists in Iowa. Contact your legislators today and urge them to support SF16 and HF422. www.iowabikeaction.org
  3. As Iowa works to make its roads safer for everyone, let’s not forget about bicyclists. Support SF16 and HF422 to establish standard penalties for fatal crashes involving bicyclists. Learn more and contact your legislator at www.iowabikeaction.org.
  4. Bicycling should be a safe and accessible mode of transportation in Iowa. Help make it so by supporting SF16 and HF422 to establish standard penalties for fatal crashes involving bicyclists. Contact your legislators today at www.iowabikeaction.org.
  5. It’s time for Iowa to prioritize the safety of all road users, including bicyclists. Support SF16 and HF422 to establish standard penalties for fatal crashes involving bicyclists. Learn more and contact your legislator at www.iowabikeaction.org.
  6. Bicyclists are vulnerable road users who deserve the same protections as others. Urge your legislators to support SF16 and HF422 to establish standard penalties for fatal crashes involving bicyclists. Contact them today at www.iowabikeaction.org.
  7. When a crash involving a bicyclist turns deadly, Iowa needs to take action. Support SF16 and HF422 to establish standard penalties for these tragic incidents. Contact your legislators and urge them to do the right thing at www.iowabikeaction.org.
  8. Let’s make Iowa a safer place to bike by supporting SF16 and HF422 to establish standard penalties for fatal crashes involving bicyclists. Contact your legislators and make your voice heard at www.iowabikeaction.org.
  9. Bicycling is a healthy, sustainable, and enjoyable way to get around, but we need to make it safer. Support SF16 and HF422 to establish standard penalties for fatal crashes involving bicyclists. Learn more and contact your legislators at www.iowabikeaction.org.
  10. Every year, too many bicyclists are killed on Iowa’s roads. Support SF16 and HF422 to establish standard penalties for these preventable tragedies. Contact your legislators today and make a difference at www.iowabikeaction.org.

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