Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, joined by transportation leaders and roadway safety advocates, today signed House Bill 2108 and reminded drivers and passengers to buckle-up. After numerous attempts at this legislation, the bill passed during the 2013 Legislative Session and makes not wearing a seat belt a primary offense in West Virginia.
"I'm happy to sign this bill. Buckling your seatbelt is one of the easiest life-saving precautions you can take, helping ensure your safety on the road," Gov. Tomblin said. "This bill is expected to save 17 lives each year and prevent 184 serious injuries. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, millions of Americans will be on the road. Now is the perfect time to remind travelers, just as this year's Click It or Ticket campaign states, Be Ready. Be Buckled."
Effective July 9, 2013, law enforcement officers can pull-over and issue citations if a driver or passenger is not wearing a seatbelt in a moving vehicle. Previously, not wearing a seatbelt was a secondary offense, only enabling law enforcement officers to ticket drivers and passengers if they pulled the vehicle over for a separate, primary offense.Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, joined by transportation leaders and roadway safety advocates, today signed House Bill 2108 and reminded drivers and passengers to buckle-up. After numerous attempts at this legislation, the bill passed during the 2013 Legislative Session and makes not wearing a seat belt a primary offense in West Virginia.
"I'm happy to sign this bill. Buckling your seatbelt is one of the easiest life-saving precautions you can take, helping ensure your safety on the road," Gov. Tomblin said. "This bill is expected to save 17 lives each year and prevent 184 serious injuries. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, millions of Americans will be on the road. Now is the perfect time to remind travelers, just as this year's Click It or Ticket campaign states, Be Ready. Be Buckled."
Effective July 9, 2013, law enforcement officers can pull-over and issue citations if a driver or passenger is not wearing a seatbelt in a moving vehicle. Previously, not wearing a seatbelt was a secondary offense, only enabling law enforcement officers to ticket drivers and passengers if they pulled the vehicle over for a separate, primary offense.