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July 2, 2009
IN THIS UPDATE
Introducing: The New Florida 511!
Buckle Up! Florida’s Primary Seat Belt Law Now In Effect
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Buckle Up! Florida’s Primary Seat Belt Law Now In Effect
Drivers on Interstate 4 have seen the roadside signs saying “Buckle Up, It’s the Law.” As of June 30, 2009, a new law allows law enforcement officers in Florida to stop and ticket drivers and front seat passengers for the sole reason of not wearing a seat belt.

Previously, a driver could not be stopped solely for not wearing a seat belt, but could be ticketed for it if stopped for another driving infraction. Now, a law officer can stop a vehicle and ticket those not wearing a seat belt without any other reason.

“Passage of this lifesaving bill has been a long time coming, but the lives that will be saved and the injuries prevented make it all worthwhile,” said Kevin Bakewell, senior vice president of AAA Auto Club South, which has lobbied on this issue for more than 10 years.

Primary seat belt laws have a proven track record of increasing state seat belt use rates. In 2008, the average seat belt use rate in states with primary seat belt laws was 13 percent higher than in states where drivers cannot be stopped based non-use of seat belts in the car.

Nationally, Florida is ranked 35th in seat belt use. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 26 states and the District of Columbia currently have primary seat belt laws. NHTSA estimates that, with the passage of its primary seat belt law, Florida will save 124 lives, prevent 1,733 serious injuries and save $408 million in associated costs each year.
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