Massachusetts lawmakers advocate for primary seat belt and rear-facing car seat laws

The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at enhancing public safety in Massachusetts. The meeting focused on two significant bills: one establishing a primary seat belt law and another enhancing child passenger safety through rear-facing car seat regulations.

The primary seat belt law, which would allow law enforcement to stop drivers solely for not wearing a seat belt, was a central topic. Advocates highlighted that Massachusetts currently has an 80% seat belt usage rate, significantly lower than the national average of 91%. Testimonies from various organizations, including the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts and AAA Northeast, emphasized that increasing seat belt compliance could drastically reduce fatalities in car accidents. Statistics presented indicated that half of all occupant fatalities in the U.S. involve unbelted individuals, underscoring the urgency of the proposed legislation.

Additionally, the committee discussed the rear-facing car seat law, which mandates that infants and toddlers under the age of two be secured in rear-facing car seats until they exceed the manufacturer's weight or height limits. Proponents argued that this measure aligns with best practices recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and could significantly enhance the safety of young passengers.

Kelly Buttilleri, a representative from the Brain Injury Association, shared her personal experience as a brain injury survivor from a car accident, advocating for the passage of these laws to prevent similar tragedies. She noted that motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and stressed the importance of legislative action to protect vulnerable populations.

The committee members expressed a commitment to reviewing the proposed bills thoroughly, with discussions indicating a strong push towards enacting these safety measures. The outcome of this meeting could lead to significant changes in Massachusetts traffic laws, aimed at saving lives and improving public health outcomes on the roads.