In a given year, half the children who die in auto accidents are not wearing seat belts. A secondary offense Right now, police officers do not make traffic stops solely for unused seat belts. It is considered a secondary offense, issued only in conjunction with another violation. Now some Ohio legislators have introduced a bill that would make violation of the seat belt law a primary offense. Officers could stop drivers for that action alone.
Some people view it as a godsend.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the change could raise seat belt use 12 percent to 17 percent. The U.S. Department of Transportation says it would save more than 9,000 lives annually. Others view it as a personal intrusion. They don't want the government in their back seat. Of course, it wouldn't really have to take another law.