Opinion ID: 1856796
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: whether the trial court erred in allowing into evidence testimony regarding the appellant's failure to wear a sea elt?

Text: Roberts contends the trial court committed error by allowing defense counsel to ask if Roberts was wearing a seat belt at the time of accident. Although this question was asked only once, during cross-examination of Roberts, and not spotlighted in opening or closing statement, Roberts argues the question was impermissible and constitutes reversible error. Miss. Code Ann. § 63-2-3 states: This chapter shall not be construed to create a duty, standard of care, right or liability between the operator and passenger of any passenger motor vehicle which is not recognized under the laws of the State of Mississippi as such laws exist on the date of passage of this chapter or as such laws may at any time thereafter be constituted by state or court decision. Failure to provide and use a seat belt restraint device or system shall not be considered contributory or comparative negligence, nor shall the violation be entered on the driving record of any individual. Clearly, the statute directs that evidence of the non-use of a seat belt shall not be presented to the jury. Although, defense counsel did not repeatedly argue this point, the question was asked and answered, thereby tainting the jury's mind that Robert's contributed to her injuries by not wearing a seat belt. As discussed earlier, this case is reversed and remanded for a new trial. On remand, no statement, argument or evidence is to be presented to the jury regarding the non-use of the seat belt.