RESOLUTION NO. RS2016-223

A resolution proclaiming the week of May 15th, 2016 to be “Suburban Safe Driving Week” in Nashville & Davidson County to advance recognition of the importance of safe driving in Nashville’s neighborhoods.

WHEREAS, 76 fatalities occurred in Davidson County from motor vehicle accidents in 2015; and to date, 18 fatalities have occurred in 2016 in Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, 217 pedestrians and 37 bicyclists were struck by motor vehicles in Davidson County, Tennessee from 2005 to 2015;

WHEREAS from 2011 to 2015, Davidson County has ranked first among Tennessee counties in overall crash rates, injury crashes, speeding crash rates, as well as young driver and senior driver crash rates; and

WHEREAS, driving at or below the posted speed limit in Nashville’s suburban neighborhoods, remaining alert, and otherwise practicing safe driving techniques will significantly reduce these motor vehicle accidents, injuries and fatalities; and

WHEREAS, safe driving in Nashville’s neighborhoods not only advances the safekeeping of our citizenry, but further fosters greater enjoyment of Nashville neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, the obesity rate for Adult Nashvillians is 24.7%, with an additional 37.4% of Davidson County adults being overweight. Additionally, 29% of Nashville adolescents self-report being overweight, with only 31% participating in daily physical education classes at school; and

WHEREAS, driving at excess speeds and in an unsafe manner significantly discourages pedestrian and bicycling activities at a time when Nashville’s citizens – who rank poorly on obesity measures – should be encouraged to walk, bike and exercise; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council should recognize a “Suburban Safe Driving Week” in order to encourage Nashville & Davidson County motorists to drive safely, at or below posted speed limits, throughout Nashville’s neighborhoods and elsewhere at all times; and

WHEREAS, it is further fitting and proper that citizens should be encouraged to report careless or aggressive drivers to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department at www.nashville.gov/Police-Department/Online-Services/Report-Aggressive-Driver.aspx or (615) 862-8600.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the week of May 15th, 2016 to be “Suburban Safe Driving Week” in Nashville & Davidson County to advance recognition of the importance of safe driving in Nashville’s neighborhoods. Further, the Metropolitan Council requests all residents of Davidson County to practice safe driving and to report careless and aggressive drivers to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Fabian Bedne, Robert Swope, Davette Blalock, Karen Johnson, Tanaka Vercher, Jason Potts, Mina Johnson