Nathan Bower Act Provides Two-Wheel Awareness Training for New Drivers

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On May 6, 2009, 19 year old Nathan Bower was on his way to go look at a vehicle he wanted to purchase while riding on his motorcycle. A vehicle driven by a young driver that was stopped began to travel through the intersection, violating his right of way and hitting Bower as he crossed.

A bill was signed into law on Tuesday October 14 by Governor Snyder to make motorcycle and bicycle awareness and safety part of driver education courses in honor of Nathan Bower on what would have been his 25th birthday. 

There would be added requirements for driver training courses to include "information concerning the law pertaining to bicycles and motorcycles and shall emphasize awareness of their operation on the streets, roads and highways of the state," according to the law's language.  It's incredible that such lessons are not currently part of the training, as many drivers have no experience with motorcycles and some have no experience on the road with bicycles. 

The law is a good start, but more definitely needs to be done to make experienced drivers, who should know better, be more aware of road users on bikes of all types and more accountable to provide for their safety. 

SANILAC COUNTY, MI -- Tuesday would have been Nathan Bower's 25^th birthday.

Instead of his family celebrating with Bower by their sides, they are celebrating in a different way.

On Tuesday, Oct. 14, Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law the Nathan Bower Act, which was proposed in memory of Bower, who died o... after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his motorcycle in Brown City only a few miles from his Peck home.

"This has been awesome. It feels fabulous. No words can express it right now. It's a mixed-emotions day," said Tammy Bower, Nathan's mother. "Especially for his birthday, it's a great birthday present."

The law, which requires that driver education courses in Michigan include lessons on bicycle and motorcycle awareness and safety, was proposed four years later on May 5, 2013, by Lisa Cook-Gordon, a friend of the Bower family.

The Nathan Bower Act – originally referred to as Nathan's Law – went through the legislative process after State Rep. Terry Brown, D-Pigeon, rallied for it. It passed in the Senate and in the House -- going back with some amendments -- on Thursday, Oct. 2.

Family and friends were determined to get the bill signed on Nathan's birthday. Their wish came true.

The goal with the Nathan Bower Act was to bring more education and awareness to new drivers in hopes of saving more lives of motorcyclists and bicyclists on the roads.

"I'm hoping that it gets out to all the young drivers that they just need to be more aware to the motorcyclists and the bicyclists," said Tammy Bower. "We are hoping that it catches on to other states. That needs to be our next mission."

Now that it's passed, there will be added requirements for Segment 1 driver training courses to include "information concerning the law pertaining to bicycles and motorcycles and shall emphasize awareness of their operation on the streets, roads and highways of the state," according to the bill language.

Snyder signed the Nathan Bower Act Tuesday, along with two other bills that focused on keeping drivers safe.

"Keeping Michigan motorists and travelers safe is always a priority," Snyder said in a written statement. "This legislation will help law enforcement crack down on all kinds of impaired driving. I'm proud that we're also making sure new drivers receive the necessary training to understand how to safely share our roads with motorcycles and bicycles. These common-sense bills will help save lives and raise awareness of the need to be alert and responsible when behind the wheel."

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2014/10/gov_rick_snyder_s...