The Eau Claire Police Department has begun enforcing the new seat belt law that was passed in the state budget, making Wisconsin eligible for $15.2 million in federal funding for traffic safety improvements.
The new law allows officers to stop and ticket drivers and passengers who are not wearing seat belts. Previously, police could issue a ticket for a seat belt offense only if the driver was first pulled over for a different violation.
The law is expected to save approximately 44 lives and prevent 650 injuries caused in car accidents each year.
All motor vehicle drivers and all passengers ages 5 and older must wear seat belts. Children 4 years and younger must be restrained in an appropriate child safety restraint.
Wisconsins current seat belt usage ranks as one of the lowest in the nation at 74%. The national average is 83%.
Knowing what to do next after being involved in a car accident can be a daunting situation. If you have been injured in an accident and require some help determining if you have grounds to file a personal injury damages claim, contact the team of legal professionals at PKSD today for your free case review. We have decades of experience and a proven history of helping to defend the rights of the injured.
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