ALBANY – A new law requiring all backseat passengers in a vehicle to buckle up took effect November 1.
Now, adult passengers along with the driver can be ticketed $50 if not wearing their seat belt. The new law also applies to adult passengers of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, outside of New York City.
“The simple fact is that seat belts save lives and prevent tragedies. It does not matter your age or where you sit in the vehicle. We want to raise awareness about the new law, and make sure people buckle up,” said Senator David Carlucci D, New City), who sponsored the law.
It is a common misconception by many adults that they do not have to wear their seat belt in the backseat because they think it is safer. However, AAA Northeast found an unbelted rear seat passenger in a vehicle accident is two times more likely to be killed, eight times more likely to be seriously injured, and two times more likely to kill a front seat occupant by becoming a projectile.
In New York State, over the last decade, 296 people over the age of 16 have been killed, while unrestrained in the backseat of a motor vehicle.
NEWS STORY PROVIDED BY: Mid Hudson News -www.midhudsonnews.com