PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that Iowa has enacted a law supporting the goals of the AMA's "Justice for All" campaign, increasing penalties for drivers who injure or kill others as a result of traffic violations and adding motorcycle- and bicycle-awareness information to the state's driver-training curriculum.

AMA members joined ABATE of Iowa in lobbying for the law, which was signed by Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack just a day after a similar law was signed by West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin.

The Iowa law adds a fine of $500 or a driver's-license suspension of up to 90 days, or both, for traffic violations that result in serious injury. If a driver causes a death, penalties increase to $1,000 or a license suspension of up to 180 days, or both. These penalties can be imposed in addition to any other fines.

"This is exactly the kind of law the AMA aims to see passed in all 50 states as part of Justice for All," said AMA Legislative Affairs Specialist Imre Szauter. "All Iowa motorcyclists who worked to get this law approved deserve a lot of credit for bringing justice and awareness to their state."

Responding to the disturbing nationwide trend of inadequate sentences for motorists who kill or seriously injure other motorists, the AMA launched Justice for All in 2004. The campaign's goals include increasing each state's penalties for violations that result in serious injury or death, as well as incorporating motorcycle-awareness modules in driver-education classes.

Iowa and West Virginia join seven other states in passing legislation that supports the goals of Justice for All: Arkansas, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington.

For more information about the AMA's Justice for All campaign, visit www.AMADirectlink.com/justice.