Mass Insurance Federation supports primary seat belt law and school bus safety measures

In a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, critical discussions unfolded regarding roadway safety and forensic science oversight in Massachusetts. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as representatives from various organizations presented their cases, highlighting pressing issues that affect public safety.

Christopher Stark, the executive director of the Massachusetts Insurance Federation, took the floor to advocate for several key legislative measures aimed at improving roadway safety. Stark emphasized the alarming rise in traffic fatalities since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that Massachusetts has not seen fatality numbers drop below 2019 levels. In 2022 alone, the state recorded 409 fatalities, the highest since 2005. Stark pointed out that Massachusetts now ranks fifth in the nation for the growth of bodily injury claims and third for the frequency of these claims, underscoring a troubling trend in driving behavior.

Stark expressed strong support for House Bill 2668 and Senate Bill 1699, which propose a primary seat belt law, as well as additional measures requiring seat belts on school buses and rear-facing car seats. He urged the committee to consider an amendment that would make seat belt violations eligible for insurance surcharges, arguing that this would serve as a deterrent and align with common sense practices in insurance calculations.

Following Stark's testimony, Joe Duran, legislative chair of the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists (MOSES), addressed the committee regarding House Bill 2660 and Senate Bill 1717. These bills aim to restore workforce representation on the Forensic Science Oversight Board, which was altered by a criminal justice reform bill in 2018. Duran highlighted the importance of including forensic scientists in advisory roles to ensure informed decision-making on critical issues such as forensic service volume, funding, and personnel training.

Duran's call for the reinstatement of a MOSES representative on the board was met with acknowledgment from committee members, who recognized the value of technical expertise in shaping policies that impact public safety and justice.

As the meeting concluded, the discussions underscored a shared commitment among committee members to address the pressing challenges of roadway safety and forensic science oversight. The outcomes of these legislative efforts could significantly influence the safety and well-being of Massachusetts residents in the years to come.