Connecticut House Bill HB05056

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/19
• Refer: 1/9/19

Caption

An Act Requiring Back Seat Passengers In A Motor Vehicle To Wear Seat Belts.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend section 14-100a of the general statutes to include the requirement for back seat passengers to buckle up, thereby aligning the law with existing regulations that already require front seat passengers to wear seat belts. The primary impact is expected to be a reduction in the severity of injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents, as increased seat belt use has been correlated with lower injury rates. This initiative also reflects a broader public health strategy aimed at improving road safety across the state.

Summary

House Bill 05056 aims to enhance public safety on the roads by mandating that all back seat passengers in a motor vehicle must wear seat belts while the vehicle is in motion on highways across the state. The bill, introduced by Representative Winkler, seeks to address a significant safety concern that arises when back seat passengers are unrestrained, potentially becoming projectiles during accidents, which can pose risks not only to themselves but also to front seat occupants. This legislative push underscores the importance of utilizing seat belts as a crucial safety measure in reducing fatalities and injuries during vehicular accidents.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on safety, it may also spark discussions around individual rights and personal responsibility, particularly regarding government mandates on personal behavior within private vehicles. Some lawmakers and constituents may raise concerns about the implications of enforcing seat belt use for back seat passengers, questioning whether such regulations infringe on personal freedoms. Nonetheless, proponents argue that the law would promote responsible behavior and contribute to broader efforts to save lives and reduce healthcare costs associated with traffic-related injuries.