U.S. group says 803 unbelted rear-seat passengers died in 2018
DETROIT (AP) — More than 800 rear-seat passengers who weren’t wearing seat belts were killed last year in U.S. traffic crashes, and a highway safety group says states aren’t making enough progress in getting people to buckle up.
The Governors Highway Safety Association says in a report released Monday that more than 400 of the 803 people who died would have survived if they were belted.
The association put out a report in 2015 drawing attention to rear seat-belt use. But it says that since then, only two more states have enacted rear seat-belt laws.
The group, which represents state highway safety offices, says 20 states still don’t have laws requiring rear belt use. Of the 30 states with laws, it’s not a primary offense in 11 states, meaning that police can’t stop a car if rear-seat passengers are unbelted.
According to the association, the number of rear-seat passengers killed in crashes dropped from 883 in 2013. But surveys have found that rear-seat safety belt use dropped from 78% in 2013 to 76% last year.
The federal government is seeking public comment on a rule requiring automakers to warn drivers if rear passengers aren’t belted. The comment period expires on Nov. 26. A law requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to enact the rule was passed by Congress in 2012.
The association recommends that states enact laws allowing police to stop vehicles when rear passengers aren’t wearing belts, and that they publicize the benefits of buckling up in every seat position. It also is urging automakers to install rear seat reminders in their vehicles.
City, downtown tavern to hold discussion on race in Detroit
DETROIT (AP) — The city of Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity office is partnering with the owners of a downtown tavern and a Detroit resident on a discussion about racial issues.
The city says “Let’s Talk About Race” will be held Thursday at the Checker Bar. It follows the firing of a white Checker Bar employee because of mistreatment of a black patron over his race.
Organizers say the discussion will fuel a needed dialogue aimed at the history and roots of racial discrimination in Detroit, with a goal of building bridges between communities and “champions against racial discrimination.”
Checker Bar owner Tim Tharpe says the incident has provided “an outstanding opportunity to have a deeper, more meaningful conversation to make Detroit’s business community even more inclusive.”
DBA Detroit Legal Services Clinic Nov. 19
The Detroit Legal Services Clinic provides information and advice from volunteer attorneys in the areas of divorce, child support, domestic relations issues, expungements, self-representation, and general civil law. The clinic is from 12-3 p.m. Tuesday, November 19 at the Penobscot Building, 13th Floor, Smart Detroit Conference Rooms, 645 Griswold in Detroit. Volunteers may arrive at 11:30 a.m. for lunch. For more information, contact Mary Kovari at mkovari@detroitlawyer.org or (313) 961-6120, ext. 206.
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