Senator David Carlucci’s law (S.4336), requiring all passengers buckle up in the back seat took effect on Nov. 1. Now, adult passengers along with the driver can be ticketed $50 if not wearing their seat belt. The new law also applies to adult passengers of ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft, outside of New York City.
Senator David Carlucci, who represents Ossining in the 38th District said, “The simple fact is that seat belts save lives and prevent tragedies. It does not matter your age or where you sit in the vehicle. We want to raise awareness about the new law, and make sure people buckle up.
It is a common misconception by many adults that they do not have to wear their seat belt in the back seat because they think it is safer. However, AAA Northeast found an unbelted rear seat passenger in a vehicle accident is two times more likely to be killed, eight times more likely to be seriously injured, and two times more likely to kill a front seat occupant by becoming a projectile. In New York State, over the last decade, 296 people over the age of 16 have been killed, while unrestrained in the back seat of a motor vehicle.