DALTON (June 3, 2010) – Sen. Don Thomas’ (R-Dalton) legislation that will save countless lives and taxpayer dollars was signed into law today by Gov. Sonny Perdue. Senate Bill 458 closes the pick-up truck loophole in current seat belt laws.
“This long-overdue legislation is a victory for all Georgians. We have fought hard for years to make sure that everyone driving on Georgia roads is safely buckled-up.” said Thomas. “Thank you to the governor and all in the legislature who worked diligently to ensure this life-saving measure becomes law.”
“Pick-ups have changed over the years, and are often used to get back and forth to work on an everyday basis. Today, they are out on our expressways and bypasses, as well as farms,” said Governor Perdue. “We all recognize that seatbelts save lives. With this legislation we look to continuing to build a ‘Safer Georgia’ for the next generation.”
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 signed into law.
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.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
June 3, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028