Today's Most Popular Video
Jan 8, 2009 5:54 pm US/Central
Seat Belt Law Is First On MN Lawmakers' Agenda
(WCCO)
-
-
There were 424 people that died on Minnesota roads last year -- a big number, but the lowest death toll on the roads since 1944. Officials think part of that is because more people are wearing seat belts.
AP
State leaders said Minnesota's seat belt compliance could be even higher. That's why one of the very first bills on the agenda for the new Minnesota legislature is to force you to buckle up.
It's an issue that has come up in the Legislature for the past three years, but this time, odds are pretty good it will pass.
There were 424 people that died on Minnesota roads last year -- a big number, but the lowest death toll on the roads since 1944.
Officials think part of that is because more people are wearing seat belts, but state lawmakers said it's still not enough and they want police to be able to pull you over if you're not buckled up.
Almost nine out of 10 Minnesota drivers already use seat belts regularly.
"It saves lives. That's my opinion," said one seat belt wearer.
"You are not wearing your belt, it's not safe," said another driver.
For many, wearing a seat belt is second nature.
"It's the only New Year's Eve resolution I have ever kept in the last 10 years," said Larry Gilbertson from Woodbury, Minn.
If the bill passes, police would be allowed to stop you for not wearing a seat belt and could issue multiple fines.
It would cost the driver $100 for not wearing a seat belt and the driver would get fined $75 more for each passenger not buckled in.
"Driving is a privilege in our state. ... It is not a constitutionally guaranteed activity," said Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing.
Even drivers who say they know it's the right thing to do worry about too much government control.
"I would rather they worry about the guy that's crossing the line and driving drunk. Seat belt infraction? I guess I should put mine on," said Mark Lichtscheidl from Centerville, Minn.
If seat belt use is mandatory, traffic experts say it will save 30 lives this year and prevent 400 life altering crashes.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Letters To Santa Sent To Sex Offender?
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
