The Scarborough Mirror

The Ministry of Transportation is the agency responsible for drafting and tabling any amendments to the Highway Traffic Act. Before creating new legislation though, the government will devote a considerable amount of time to conduct pre-legislation research often in the form of public forums, debates, surveys and the monitoring of popular opinion.

Of course all of this takes time and often the public outcry for changes to our laws is prompted by a tragic event such as the unfortunate incident last week involving a school bus full of children on their way to attend a school day trip.

Similarly, within the past year another tragic event caused the ministry to look into and change the current legislation dealing with seat-belts. Bill 148, an act to amend the Highway Traffic Act, was proclaimed into law on Dec. 1 with three significant changes to Section 106. The most significant change requires all passengers 16 or older to occupy belted seating positions within a motor vehicle and they must properly wear the complete seat-belt provided.

A further amendment requires all passengers who appear to be 16 or older to identify him or herself to a police officer when requested to do so, if in the officer's opinion they are not wearing a seat-belt. The third amendment specifies exactly the identification that must be provided to the police officer.

When requested to identify either verbally or by providing a piece of ID, Section 106 states the person must give his or her correct name, date of birth and address. Failing to wear a seat-belt as a passenger or failing to give a police officer proper identification may result in the offending passenger being issued a traffic ticket in the amount of $110.

Tragedy is no stranger to our city roadways and provincial highways. It has been proven time and time again that seat-belts do save lives, so as conscientious motorists let's do our part to ensure our passengers buckle up for safety.

After all, it's the law.