ABATE of Arizona Expands Secured Load Law on "Secure the Load" Day; Governor Remains Silent

Phoenix, AZ – June 7, 2024 – Yesterday marked "Secure the Load" day in Arizona, a significant initiative led by ABATE of Arizona represented by EPIC Policy Group to enhance road safety and protect Arizona's citizens. This year, ABATE of Arizona successfully ushered an expansion of the secured load law, championed and sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick. Despite the importance of this day, the Governor’s office did not acknowledge the efforts and significance of "Secure the Load" day.

 

The expanded secured load law, requires all motorists to secure their loads more stringently, ensuring that items transported on public roadways are adequately fastened and unlikely to cause road hazards. This legislative advancement comes as a response to rising concerns over road safety and the increasing number of accidents caused by unsecured loads.

 

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), there were over 1,100 incidents involving unsecured loads in Arizona last year, resulting in 9 fatalities. Nationally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that road debris caused by unsecured loads contributes to over 65,000 crashes annually, leading to 17,203 injuries and 895 fatalities in 2022. These alarming statistics underscore the necessity for stringent regulations and public awareness.

 

Senator Shawnna Bolick, the driving force behind this legislation, stated, "The safety of our roadways is paramount. Expanding the secured load law is a crucial step in reducing preventable accidents and ensuring the well-being of all Arizonans. While I am pleased the Governor signed SB1376 into law, I am disappointed she didn’t recognize yesterday. I will continue to fight for Arizonans and their safety."

 

ABATE of Arizona President, Jim Butsback, emphasized the ongoing commitment to road safety, "While 'Secure the Load' day is a symbolic reminder, securing loads should be a year-round commitment. Every motorist has a responsibility to ensure their cargo is properly secured, preventing potential hazards and saving lives."

 

Despite the Governor’s office remaining silent on this significant day, ABATE of Arizona, continues to lead efforts to promote road safety and legislative advancements. The organization encourages all Arizonans to take proactive measures in securing their loads, highlighting that prevention is the key to reducing road hazards.

 

ABATE of Arizona and EPIC Policy Group are dedicated to ongoing education and advocacy efforts, aiming to increase public awareness and compliance with the expanded secured load law. Through workshops, community outreach programs, and partnerships with local law enforcement, they strive to make Arizona's roadways safer for everyone.

 

For more information on the expanded secured load law and how you can contribute to road safety, please visit https://donttrashaz.org/Secure-Your-Load

 

About ABATE of Arizona

ABATE of Arizona is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of motorcyclists' rights and the promotion of motorcycle safety and awareness. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, ABATE of Arizona strives to enhance the freedom and safety of all motorcyclists in Arizona.

 

About EPIC Policy Group

EPIC Policy Group is a premier advocacy organization specializing in policy development, legislative tracking, and grassroots advocacy. Representing a diverse range of clients, EPIC Policy Group is committed to advancing policies that enhance freedom, liberty, and economic success in Arizona.

Policy Analysis: Opposition to Per-Mile Taxation Systems Considering the Implications for Motorcyclists in Arizona

The notion of introducing a per-mile taxation system, as modeled by Oklahoma's Fair Miles pilot project[1], has been touted as an alternative to traditional fuel taxes to generate revenue for road maintenance and infrastructure projects. While the aim to diversify and stabilize the revenue base is understandable, it is vital to examine the implications this system would have for motorcyclists, a significant clientele in Arizona. This analysis elucidates multiple concerns that demonstrate why Arizona should not follow Oklahoma's model.

Adverse Impact on Motorcyclists

Motorcycles generally consume less fuel than passenger cars and trucks, and therefore, motorcyclists already pay less in fuel taxes. A per-mile taxation system would disproportionately impact motorcyclists, as they would end up paying significantly more than under the current gas tax system for the same road usage.[2] Unlike heavier vehicles, motorcycles inflict less wear and tear on road surfaces, making the proposed tax system inherently unfair for this group.

Privacy Concerns

Any per-mile taxation system will necessitate data collection to measure the distance traveled by each vehicle. While technology can facilitate this, data privacy concerns are paramount. Motorcyclists, who often value the sense of freedom and privacy that comes with riding, may be particularly wary of governmental tracking systems.[3]

Financial Burdens

The cost of implementing and administering a per-mile tax system could be substantial. The Fair Miles project in Oklahoma alone is estimated to cost $3.9 million.[4] These expenses would likely be passed on to taxpayers, including motorcyclists, exacerbating the financial burden on them.

Counterproductive to Environmental Goals

Many individuals opt for motorcycles as they are more fuel-efficient and less damaging to the environment compared to larger vehicles. Imposing a per-mile tax would discourage this eco-friendlier mode of transportation, thereby contravening broader societal goals of reducing carbon emissions.

Recommendations for Arizona Policymakers

1. Exclusion for Motorcycles: If Arizona considers adopting a per-mile taxation system, motorcycles should be excluded or subject to a substantially reduced rate due to their lesser impact on infrastructure.

2. Consultation: Policymakers should consult with motorcyclist groups and other stakeholders to gauge opinions and impact before considering such a sweeping change.

3. Data Privacy Legislation: If any system involving tracking is considered, robust data privacy protections should be a precondition.

4. Environmental Considerations: Policies should encourage, not discourage, the use of environmentally friendly transportation options.

Conclusion

While the quest for alternative funding methods for infrastructure is valid, the proposed per-mile taxation system poses significant challenges and is particularly unfair for motorcyclists. In light of these considerations, Arizona should refrain from adopting such a system without substantial modifications to protect the interests of motorcyclists.

 

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[1] Enid News, "Stat weighs feasibility of taxing motorists per mile driven," accessed on September 19, 2023, [Enid News](https://www.enidnews.com/news/stat-weighs-feasibility-of-taxing-motorists-per-mile-driven/article_8cf3a7ca-566c-11ee-8aab-e7f4f3d27082.html).

[2] Federal Highway Administration, "Bipartisan Infrastructure Law," accessed on September 19, 2023, [Federal Highway Administration](https://highways.dot.gov/).

[3] Bankrate, "Should you switch to pay-per-mile insurance?", accessed on September 19, 2023, [Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/pay-per-mile-insurance/).

[4] Oklahoma Voice, "Oklahoma Weighing Feasibility of Taxing Motorists Per Mile Driven," accessed on September 19, 2023, [Oklahoma Voice](https://oklahomavoice.com/briefs/oklahoma-weighing-feasibility-of-taxing-motorists-per-mile-driven).