NEW: Lawmakers Honored by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NEW: Lawmakers Honored by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

For their sponsorship of the primary seat belt law that went into effect last year in Rhode Island, Sen. John J. Tassoni Jr. and Rep. Anastasia P. Williams have been honored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Senator Tassoni (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Smithfield) and Representative Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence) were named recipients of the NHTSA Award for Public Service for “dedication to making highways safer.” The awards were announced today by David L. Strickland, NHTSA administrator, at the NHTSA awards luncheon in Florida.

Rhode Island’s primary seat belt law, which went into effect last June, was based on bills sponsored by the two legislators (2011-S 0022A, 2011-H 5449Aaa). The new law, which carries an $85 fine, makes the failure to wear seat belts by adults a primary offense but makes it clear that police cannot search a vehicle, driver or occupant of a vehicle stopped only for a seat belt offense.

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Enacting the law last June made Rhode Island eligible for about $4 million in federal highway funds, with some of it committed to efforts to promote seat belt use.

Senator Tassoni, who is completing his sixth term in the Senate, is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government and a member of the Senate Committee on Special Legislation.