ATLANTA, Ga. -- The Georgia Senate passed a bill that would close a loophole in seat belt laws. Current Georgia law does not require people in pickup trucks to wear seat belts.
Senate Bill 458, sponsored by Sen. Don Thomas (R-Dalton) passed by a vote of 45-2 Wednesday.
“This is an exciting day in the Senate,” said Thomas in a news release. “We have once again voted to save lives and money by passing this legislation. With new leadership in the House, I am confident this bill will end up on the governor’s desk.”
State officials said 67 percent of pickup truck related deaths were those not wearing seat belts.
Supporters said changing the law will save Georgians $25 million in Medicaid costs over ten years. Georgia would also become eligible for federal grants from the Traffic Safety Institute.
Off-road and pickup trucks involved in agricultural operations would be exempt under the bill.
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