The new primary seatbelt law takes effect today. It means a driver can be pulled over and ticketed if every person in the car in not buckled up. Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion said it's a "historical, milestone day." He added the goal is not to write more tickets or create revenue, but save lives by getting people to wear their seatbelts.
The law takes effect today June 9th exactly 10 years after Meghan Cooper was unbuckled, ejected and killed in a car accident. Her mother Kathy (left in blue dress wearing a seatbelt sash) closed the press conference with an emotional remembrance of her 15-year-old daughter. She said "Meghan would have lived if she was buckled up." Her friend who also campaigned for the new law was on the House floor as a page when it passed the chamber for the first time in state history. Meghan's mom said let us honor her child with this law. The Capitol Press Corps was rendered speechless and didn't ask any questions at the press conference: a rare occurrance. Nothing more could have been said.
Before that longtime bill author Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing) gave an impassioned speech saying "this is a great day for Minnesota moving forward instead of going in reverse." He said the law will save 30 lives, he has no doubt about it. Every year 200 unbelted motorists are killed and 400 severely injured. It's estimated 700,000 motorists in Minnesota don't wear their seatbelts and they account for half of all traffic deaths. Nearly 80% of those unbelted traffic deaths happen in Greater Minnesota. Rep. Kim Norton (DFL-Rochester) got huge credit for getting the primary seatbelt law through the House.
Afterwards there were lots of hugs and continued emotion as the media talked to victims and officials. Family and friends of victims held flowers, photos, buttons and banners. Primary seatbelts is probably the most significant, impactful legislation passed this year. This was one of the most emotional, impactful press conferences of the year as well.
