The Value of Children's

Children's Supports Massachusetts Primary Seat Belt Bill - "Natalie's Bill"

Did you know?

Seat belt laws are divided into two categories -- primary and secondary. Primary seat belt laws allow law enforcement officers to cite a driver for not wearing a seat belt even if no other moving violation has been committed. Secondary seat belt laws only allow citations to be issued when there is another citable traffic infraction. Currently, Massachusetts has a secondary seat belt enforcement law.

A primary seat belt enforcement law:

Could save lives in Massachusetts

Increased seat belt use would save 18 lives and prevent over 600 serious injuries per year.

Could save Massachusetts taxpayers millions of dollars a year

The Commonwealth could save over $170 million in costs associated with medical care, lost productivity and damage to property. In addition, Massachusetts could see over $55 million in reduced annual private health insurance costs.

Could result in better rates of seatbelt use in Massachusetts

Massachusetts seat belt usage is only 74% and the Commonwealth ranks 48th in seat belt use nationally (the national average is 84%). A primary seat belt enforcement law could increase seat belt use by 11%.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "Commonwealth of Massachusetts Primary Seat Belt Law Fact Sheet," January 2011

Natalie's Bill

On July 2nd, 2006, Natalie DeLeon, a vibrant 21-year old woman, sat on her porch watching fireworks with her boyfriend and her mother. Following the festivities, she and her boyfriend left to visit a friend. Along the way, their car was involved in an accident. Natalie's boyfriend was forced to swerve and the car rolled over. He was not speeding or using alcohol, but unfortunately Natalie was not wearing a seat belt. She was ejected from the car and killed.

"Friends of Natalie" is a campaign started by Natalie’s mother, Beatriz Fuentes, to raise awareness of the importance of seat belt use. A primary seatbelt enforcement law might have saved Natalie's life. According to Fuentes, "If my daughter's tragedy can save lives and prevent brain injury, she will not have died in vain."

For this reason, Children's Hospital Boston has partnered with Belts Ensure a Safer Tomorrow (BEST) in promoting the passing of "Natalie's Bill", which would establish a primary seat belt law in Massachusetts.

Frequently asked questions about Natalie's Bill

Dr. Lois Lee, MD, MPH from Children's Hospital Boston's Emergency Department Injury Prevention Program answers the most frequently asked questions about "Natalie's Bill".

I'm a safe driver--why should I support this bill?

Although you may be a safe driver, motor vehicle crashes can occur as a result of the driving behavior of other drivers, so it is important to wear your seat belt at all times, every time you drive to protect yourself in the event of a crash.

If this bill is passed, what is the penalty if a police officer pulls me over and cites me for not wearing a seat belt?

The current bill would require a $50 fine.

Does this bill apply just to drivers or does it also apply to passengers?

It applies to anyone in the car who is above the age required to sit in a car seat.

What difference does having a primary seat belt law present in Massachusetts compared to just having a secondary law?

Data shows that states with primary seat belt laws clearly have higher rates of seat belt use. Wearing a seat belt can decrease your risk of death or serious injury due to a motor vehicle crash by 50%.

How does this law apply to kids?

This law is applicable to teenage drivers as well as their families. Keeping parents as safe as possible in the event of a motor vehicle crash is obviously important to everyone in the family, including the children.

Download a PDF information sheet to learn more about Natalie's Bill.

Learn more about the primary seatbelt law and how you can help.