(Columbia) Feb. 10, 2005 - Supporters of a primary
seat belt law in South Carolina say it would pave the
way for better rural roads.
Senator Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg) says such a bill
would mean police could stop adult drivers who aren't
buckled up, "I think this is gonna be the year that the
bill passes, and it'll qualify us for some additional
highway money."
This year the president's budget proposal includes a
one-time incentive grant for states that pass primary
safety belt legislation. The Department of
Transportation says having a primary seat belt law in
place could put South Carolina in line to receive an
additional $11 million in federal highway funds.
DOT leaders say some of that money could go to rural
roads, which have not been eligible for federal funding
before.
Terecia Wilson says statewide there are over 25,000
miles of rural, or secondary roads and most highway
fatalities happen on those roads, "This incentive money
could be utilized for safety improvements on those
roads. Those include things like widening and paving
shoulders. Things like putting in guard rail. Putting up
signs that have high intensity sheeting, so they're more
visible to the public."
Currently, the roads meet minimum standards, but
there is still no money for repair. The DOT hopes
passage of a stronger seat belt law will lead to fewer
rocky roads ahead.
Governor Mark Sanford said Thursday afternoon he
cannot support the seat belt law that passed in the
Senate.
The bill gives police authority to stop adult drivers
caught without wearing a seat belt. Under current law
adult drivers not wearing seat belts can be cited only
if they're stopped for another offense or if children in
the car are not properly restrained. The seat belt bill
and the current law allow fines of $25, which include
court costs.
Sanford is concerned that offenses won't be reported
to insurance companies or courts or they won't end up on
drivers' records.
He says the bill would be more effective if the state
recorded the lack of seat belt use, reported it to
insurance agencies and allowed police to set up road
checks. He says he won't support the bill without those
changes.
By Angie
Goff
Posted 7:54pm by BrettWitt
