SENATE PASSES BILL RAISING SEAT BELT AGE IN REAR SEAT

Children Up To Sixteen Would Be Required To Wear Seat Belts In Rear Seat

Thursday, June 22, 2000

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno today announced that the New York State Senate gave final legislative approval to a bill which will require children under sixteen to wear seat belts when traveling in the rear seat of a car. Current law only requires that children up to the age of ten be restrained when traveling in the rear seat.

�Far too often, we read the tragic reports about children who have died in automobile accidents-- all because they were not wearing seat belts. Statistics clearly show that using seat belts is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries on our roadways," said Senator Fuschillo. �By requiring children up to the age of sixteen to wear seat belts, this legislation will keep more of our children safe and save hundreds of young lives.�

�Currently in New York, children over ten years old are allowed to ride unprotected in the back seats of cars,� Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said. �By passing this legislation, we will make our roadways safer for motorists and passengers. Hopefully, we will also be raising awareness of the importance of wearing safety belts so that people of all ages will wear them no matter where they are in an automobile.�

According to the National Safety Council, if children under the age of 16 are properly restrained in the United States, 630 lives would be saved and 182,000 serious injuries would be prevented every year nationwide. For older children ages 5-12, crash injuries are the leading cause of death.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites that the safest position for young passengers is buckled-up in the rear seats where there are one-third fewer fatalities. In addition, riding in the rear seat will also help youngster avoid air bag related injuries.

If enacted, Senator Fuschillo�s new law would make New York the 26th state in the nation to require children under sixteen to be restrained when traveling in cars.

The bill will be sent to the Governor for his approval.

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