Today's Most Popular Video
May 19, 2009 6:30 pm US/Central
Could New Seat Belt Law Lead To Racial Profiling?
(WCCO)
-
-
According to Amnesty International USA, approximately 32 million people of color said they were victims of racial profiling in this country. (File)
AP
In between his budget slicing, the governor is expected to sign a new seat-belt law that lets police ticket anybody in your car for not buckling up.
While that may sound smart from a safety standpoint, some worry it could give officers an excuse to pull particular people over.
"We must, must, must take serious the issues and concerns around this issue of racial profiling," said DFL Representative Jeff Hayden.
Hayden knows exactly what it feels like to DWB, or "Drive While Black."
Even though the Democrat has a clean record there's just something that happens when he sees those flashing lights.
"When the police pull up behind me, I get tense … I hold onto the steering wheel tighter," Hayden said.
He's not alone. According to Amnesty International USA, approximately 32 million people of color said they were victims of racial profiling in this country.
"Basically they do that anyway -- just pull you over -- they make up whatever anyway," said motorist Dwayne Johnson.
Johnson doesn't think the new seat belt law will make it any easier for the police to stop you.
"I don't really think this is an excuse for the cops to pull you over … they can pull you over regardless. All they got to do is say you were speeding," said Johnson. "It's your word against theirs, so they don't really need an excuse."
Some think this issue is more about safety and seat belts than racial profiling.
"I'm of the thought of never give them a reason," said motorist Timothoa Lanae. "I've never experienced racial profiling myself, but I know it happens."
Lawmakers did have an amendment to the bill to include collecting data to monitor racial profiling, but it was tossed out.
"I do think it's an issue that we need to have more debate about and actually I was a little disappointed that an amendment we worked on didn't get into the bill because I think it would have addressed the issue," said DFL Representative Kim Norton.
Getting a ticket for not wearing your seat belt will run you $25. By passing the bill, state lawmakers guaranteed Minnesota more than $3 million from the federal government for road projects.
Sonya Goins, Producer
Contact Sonya
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Truckers Sue For Unauthorized Citations
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
