Sen. Olseen backs primary seat belt
Sen. Rick Olseen, DFL-Harris, supports primary seat belt, legislation that has long languished at the Capitol that if passed would allow cops to pull over vehicles in which occupants are not wearing seat belts.The bill has been criticized as being onerous to farmers who are constantly jumping in and out of trucks, as an invitation for racial profiling, and as another example of do-gooders in St. Paul stepping on toes.
Supporters argue primary seat belt saves lives, lowers medical costs, and argue that a police officer, if they really want to pull a car over, can almost always come up with a reason.
“This is something that crosses political lines, geographical lines,” said Olseen of primary seat belt.
Yes, some people say it’s their right to decided whether to buckle up, Olseen explained.
But he knows a number of people who’ve gotten into accidents while unbuckled and have “burned through” their health care coverage.
“And then basically you’re on medical assistance any you’re (taxpayers) paying for it,” said Olseen.
Besides, passage of primary seat belt will prevent horrific injury and death, the senator pointed out.
Primary seat belt has historically run into trouble in the House.