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(2/2/99)
Right now in Utah police officers can't stop and ticket a motorist for
simply not wearing a seat belt.
But some lawmakers want them to have that power, and that has opponents
shouting "Big Brother Government."
News Specialist Scott Light has our story.
The issue isn't the importance of seat belts, but how far law enforcement
should go to make people wear them.
Senator Robert Montgomery of Weber says, "Senate bill 6 would require all
occupants of the vehicle to be belted."
It would also allow police to stop and ticket motorists for not wearing them.
Right now, a seatbelt citation can only be issued if a person is stopped for
something else, such as speeding.
Senator Montgomery says, "It's estimated that dozens of lives in the state--in
this state-- every year, would be saved."
But opponents worry about too much government.
Senator Michael Waddoups of Salt Lake says, "The committee hearing shows we're
concerned about people's safety and want them to wear seatbelts. But I think
the argument will be raised more vocally about infringing on people's rights."
Senator Waddoups says things like driver's education in school and safety
commercials can continue to educate people, without government stepping in.
"Having them pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt is a mistake," he says.
There are differing opinions from police as well.
One department told us a tougher seatbelt law would be hard to enforce with
everything else officers do.
Another one told us it would be the best thing possible to reduce severe
and fatal injuries on the road.
The seatbelt bill narrowly passed the Senate Transportation Committee.
If it passes the full Senate, then it'll go over to the House.
