Police say that is because the seatbelt law, which came into effect January 16, 2002, is currently under revision. The hefty fines underwent heavy scrutiny some years ago and caused certain provisions of the Act to be revisited.
Nevertheless, Stephanie Rahming, deputy controller of the Road Traffic Department says it is law and authorities are still encouraging all drivers to wear their seatbelts.
“We are also advising parents to ensure that children are in the back seat, in a car seat and buckled up,” she said.
Since the introduction of the new seatbelt law, authorities have launched several “Buckle Up” Campaigns throughout the country; erecting billboards and strategic spots and advising motorists and their passengers to utilize their seatbelts during road checks. With the law up for revision, residents were uncertain of the penalties and/or enforcement or even if it was still law. However, Ms. Rahming points out, the seatbelt is one of the number one life-saving devices in a vehicle, adding that there is seemingly a recurring trend among motorists.
“I’m noticing a trend in Grand Bahama again where we see parents driving with children in their lap. This is very, very dangerous and unsafe,” said the deputy controller. According to the seatbelt law, children under age must be in car seat. Older children in the back seat must ride with their seatbelt on. The law prohibits any person from driving a motor vehicle, or permitting a person to ride as a passenger in that vehicle unless the person or their passenger is secured by a seatbelt.
Anyone found committing such as offence is liable to a summary conviction and fine of $300. Any passenger other than the driver found not using his seatbelt is liable to a summary conviction and fine of $100.
Any passenger under the age of five should be secured in a child passenger seat.
Vehicles exempted from seatbelts are motorcycles, omni buses, trucks, except for front seat use by the driver and any other passenger sitting alongside the driver.
By: LEDEDRA MARCHE, Senior Freeport News Reporter
