The bill that would make driving without a seat belt a primary traffic offense is just one step away from heading to the desk of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.
The state Senate Judiciary Committee passed the bill Thursday afternoon and sent it to the full Senate for consideration. The bill has already passed the House of Delegates.
State Police Lt. Reginald Patterson told judiciary committee members having a primary law won’t take up too much time but rather be a positive tool for law enforcement.
“It will not distract us from enforcing our other duties. It will only be another tool in our arsenal to help fight crime. It will also save lives,” Lt. Patterson said.
Patterson also believes the primary offense will serve as a deterrent.
“The knowledge of knowing it’s a primary offense, I think, that will cause more people to buckle up and drive safe and pay attention to the road,” he said.