71 per cent of fatal crashes in Missouri involve lack of seat belt use

(Jefferson City)–State transportation officials say 415 people have been killed in Missouri traffic crashes in 2020, and 71 percent of them were not wearing a seat belt. Governor Mike Parson says it’s time to have a discussion about primary seat belt legislation, adding that personal responsibility is important too:

Primary seat belt legislation would allow Missouri law enforcement officers to enforce the seat belt law as a stand-alone offense. Supporters say it’s about saving lives. Opponents like O’Fallon GOP State Representative Tony Lovasco say “it would increase the number of unnecessary interactions between civilians and law enforcement.”