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WILLARD NOW HAS A PRIMARY SEATBELT LAW
The Willard Aldermen approved an ordinance at the December 14, 2009 board meeting adopting a primary seatbelt law. The change now allows Willard Police to pull over drivers who are not wearing their seatbelt.
Previously law enforcement officers were able to ticket drivers for not wearing their seatbelts, but drivers had to be stopped for another traffic violation.
From the Springfield News-Leader:
"It was actually a tie vote (3-3) and I had to cast the deciding vote," Willard Mayor Jamie Schoolcraft said late Monday.
Schoolcraft said the bill's critics on the board expressed concerns
about police having the authority to pull over drivers for no other
reason than failing to buckle up and worried the city was taking action
on something that is an individual responsibility.
"I understand their concerns and respect their
opinions. I'm just glad the ordinance passed," said Schoolcraft, a
paramedic who has worked 18 years in emergency response. "To me it was
an important ordinance because I've seen the difference a seat belt
makes."
Schoolcraft said the creation of a primary seat
belt law also is meant to show that Willard -- where high school
students have launched an effort to improve conditions on U.S. 160 --
is doing what it can to promote driving safety.
"What started this whole thing was the horrible
accident on 160 where the three high school students were killed (Oct.
8)," he said.
Schoolcraft said the city plans to spend the next several months educating drivers about the new ordinance.
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If you have questions about this new law, please call Community
Relations Officer Kate Gould at 742-5305 or e-mail
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A copy of the ordiance is available online here, or at Willard City Hall, 224 W. Jackson Street.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 10 March 2010 )
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