New Legislation Requires All Motor Vehicle Occupants Aged 16+ Wear a Seatbelt
Tuesday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed a bill requiring all passengers in motor vehicles above 16 years to wear a seatbelt in the front and back seat. The new legislation goes into effect on November 1. Until now, belting only required teenagers and adults sitting in the passenger seat next to the driver.
New York was the first state to pass a seatbelt law back in 1984 under the governing of Mario Cuomo. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles that same year, approximately 16 percent of individuals complied; by 2008, the rate was up to about 89 percent.
The Traffic Safety Committee has found that 30 percent of deaths on New York highways are persons who refused the use of a seatbelt.
Safety experts say that buckling up in the backseat can prevent over two-thirds of casualties caused by car crashes.
This legislation requires all occupants of motor vehicles to buckle up to reduce as many automobile fatalities as possible.
"We've known for decades that seat belts save lives, and with this measure, we are further strengthening our laws and helping to prevent needless tragedies," Governor Cuomo said.