Senate passes Seat Belt Legislation

Bill saves Lives and Taxpayer Money

The Senate voted to save Georgians’ lives today by passing Senate Bill 458, Sen. Thomas’ (R-Dalton) seat belt legislation, which closes the pick-up truck loophole in current seat belt laws. SB 458 passed with a vote of 45-2.

“This is an exciting day in the Senate,” said Thomas. “We have once again voted to save lives and money by passing this legislation. With new leadership in the House, I am confident this bill will end up on the governor’s desk.”

In Georgia alone, over 67 percent of pick-up truck related deaths came from those not wearing a seat belt. Closing the pickup truck loophole will save Georgians $25 million in Medicaid costs over a 10-year period. Additionally, Georgia will become eligible for federal incentive grants from the Traffic Safety Institute once this legislation is passed.

Current law requires each occupant of the front seat of a car, van, or SUV to be restrained by a seatbelt. This legislation redefines the term “passenger vehicle,” requiring all passengers in the front seat of a pickup truck are restrained by a seatbelt. The bill exempts off-road and pick-up trucks involved in agricultural operations.

Sen. Don Thomas serves as chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee. He represents the 54th Senate District, which includes Murray and Whitfield counties and portions of Catoosa and Gordon counties. He may be reached by phone at 404-656-6436 or by e-mail at don.thomas@senate.ga.gov.

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