South Dakota seatbelt law sparks personal freedom, public safety debate
Three-decade old statute compelling use of restraints survives repeal attempt
PIERRE — Seatbelt requirements for vehicle occupants on South Dakota roadways will stay buckled into state law.
A debate among members of the House Transportation Committee about balancing public safety and personal freedom ended Tuesday morning with the state’s three-decade-old seatbelt law being preserved.
“I’m all for the Constitution, freedom — that’s why I’m here — however, the statistics do not lie,” said Rep. Keri Weems, who was among 10 committee members who voted to kill House Bill 1065 after hearing testimony about the effectiveness of seatbelts to save lives and reduce injuries on public travel routes.
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