March 5, 2008
If You Don't Click It, You Are Bound to Get a Ticket
More states are making seat belt laws a primary offense.
DENVER - In 2007, New Jersey Governor John Corzine was involved in a violent car crash in which he broke 15 bones, lost more than half of his blood and was hospitalized for nearly three weeks.
Although Gov. Corzine's crash drew national attention, similar vehicle crashes happen every day. More than 80 people are killed daily in car crashes, which are now the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 2 and 34, according to a new brief by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
NCSL's brief also shows how many states are trying to lower that statistic by stepping up enforcement of seat belt use. Studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration prove wearing seat belts saves lives and reduces injuries. But getting people to buckle up is not easy.
According to NCSL, 26 states have primary enforcement seat belt laws that allow law enforcement to stop a vehicle and issue a citation solely for not using a seat belt. Twenty-three states have secondary seat belt laws that require police to stop a vehicle for other reasons before they can cite a driver for not having a seat belt fastened. Every state except New Hampshire has an adult safety belt law.
NCSL's newest brief highlights which states are working to strengthen seat belt laws, how primary seat belt laws can help states save money, and what federal funds are available to states that enact and enforce primary safety belt use laws. This brief is free to the media and is available at NCSL's press room.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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