Seat belt law gets folks to buckle up

Published 10:00 am Monday, June 1, 2009

Minnesota now has a primary seat belt law, which will be an essential tool to increase belt compliance and therefore have the biggest impact in limiting many Minnesota traffic tragedies that are simply preventable.

The Freeborn County Toward Zero Deaths Committee has seen the results of far too many crashes involving unbelted motorists and the deaths and injuries involved — ranging from teeth busted out on the steering wheel to being ejected from the vehicle.

The primary law means drivers and passengers in all seating positions must be buckled up or in the correct child restraint, and that law enforcement can stop a vehicle directly for belt violations. A citation can cost from $25 to more than $100.

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This law is first and foremost a law to ensure motorists are traveling safely. The true enforcement of this law begins with you. It’s your role as a motorist to speak up and insist your passengers are buckled up.

Let’s have a safe summer on the road — always buckle up.

Michelle Severtson

Freeborn County Toward Zero Death Committee

Albert Lea