Apr 29, 2009 10:41 am US/Eastern
Mandatory Seat Belt Law Heads To House
Senate Passed Tougher Seat Belt Law On Tuesday
Allows Law Enforcement To Ticket Drivers For Not Wearing A Seat Belt
Under Current Law, Drivers Can Only Get A Seat Belt Citation If They're Pulled Over For Another Violation
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ―
Florida drivers had better buckle up or be prepared to pay up thanks to a bill designed to toughen the state's seat belt law.
Wednesday, the Florida House is expected to vote on a bill that would that would allow Florida law enforcement to ticket drivers simply for not wearing a seat belt. Under current law, drivers can only get a seat belt citation if they're pulled over for another violation.
The Dori Slosberg and Katie Marchetti Safety Belt Law, named in the memory of two young women killed in accidents while not wearing seat belts, won overwhelming support in the Senate on Tuesday and passed the bill 33-4.
The parents of the two dead girls were in the Senate gallery when the vote was taken. Dori Slosberg's father, former state Rep. Irv Slosberg of Boca Raton, had sponsored the legislation during his years in the House.
A seat belt violation would carry a $30 fine. Passing the law would also make Florida eligible for a one-time $35.5 million payment in federal highway money.
If the House approves the measure, it'll be sent to Gov. Charlie Crist for his signature. Gov. Crist has said he supports the bill.
Twenty-six states and the District of Columbia already allow law enforcement to stop drivers for seat belt infractions alone.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics estimate the new law would save an estimated 124 lives every year in Florida, avoid 1,733 serious injuries and save $408 million a year.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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