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Bill passes New York Senate, would require seat belts to be worn in back seat

Posted at 12:41 PM, May 15, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-15 12:41:28-04

NEW YORK (WKBW) — A bill passed in the New York State Senate Wednesday which would make it mandatory for any person over the age of 16 to wear a seat belt while a passenger in the back seat of a vehicle.

It is stated that the purpose of the bill is to improve the safety of vehicle occupants and unrestrained passengers account for a higher percentage of highway deaths than alcohol and/or excessive speed.

"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in fatal crashes, 76% of vehicle occupants who were totally ejected from the vehicle were killed. In 2007, only once percent of the occupants reported to have been using restraints were totally ejected from the vehicle, compared with 319& of the unrestrained occupants. As a result, safety experts believe that the use of a rear seat belt could prevent over two thirds of fatalities and serious injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes. Therefore, this legislation seeks to reduce automobile accident fatalities and casualties by requiring all occupants of a motor vehicle to buckle up."

The bill, which is being sponsored by Senator David Carlucci of the 38th Senate District, has now been delivered to the Assembly.

You can read the full bill here.