Tighter seat belt law moves on for final approval

A bill that would toughen Utah's seat belt laws received preliminary approval in the Senate Tuesday, but as in years past, final approval of the measure will be a challenge.

Under SB98, not wearing a seat belt would become a primary offense for drivers age 19 or older. That means a motorist can be ticketed just for not wearing a seat belt. Current law requires that another offense be committed before a driver can be cited for not buckling up.

Utah already has a primary seat belt law for drivers under age 19.

"I think all of us are affected by those who choose not to wear a seat belt," said sponsoring Sen. Karen Hale, D-Salt Lake City. "Education alone is not enough. That's where we need stronger seat belt laws and enforcement."

Senators approved the bill 16-10 on Tuesday. Hale is hopeful the bill will receive final consent in the Senate, but the House is another story, where the bill has failed the past two years.

"It looked really shaky," Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, said after the seat belt bill barely received preliminary approval. Two senators had to change their votes to give the bill the constitutional majority needed to advance it.

"It's that close," Valentine said.

Opponents say Hale's bill is unnecessary and takes away personal choice. About 87 percent of drivers in Utah routinely wear a seat belt, according to state statistics.

"If perseverance by the sponsor were the issue I would gladly support the senator in her efforts," said Sen. Allen Christensen, R-Ogden. "But alas, that is not the question. Nor is it about the safety and advisability of wearing seat belts. This is a case of taking away personal choice or freedom without a cause."

Hale maintains that wearing a seat belt is the top way to prevent injury and death. Last year, 282 people were killed on Utah roads. Of those people, about 208 were "improperly restrained," according to state fatality statistics.

If approved by senators, Hale's bill will move on to the House for a vote. Hale has run a primary seat belt law the past four years with limited success.

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Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com