Push for tougher new seat belt law

PROVIDENCE, R.I., (WPRI) - Seat-belt law.

It's a push to toughen a bill that's already on the books.

In light of a deadly crash in Warwick, where police say the driver was not wearing a seat-belt, Representative Douglas Galbinske wants to make it a primary offense for drivers who are not wearing their safety-belts.

Gablinske says, "It is tragic, heart-wrenching stories like these that we bring before you today and the rest of the panel assembly here today urging support for this legislation that would require all Rhode Islanders who drive to where seat belts. "

Not wearing a seat belt is currently a secondary offense, meaning if a driver is pulled over for another offense like speeding, he or she can also be cited for not wearing a seat belt.

Galblinske has submitted a bill that would make not wearing a seat belt a primary offense, so you could be pulled over for it.

The bill is supported by several state departments.

Some groups argue a seat belt law would lead to racial profiling.

Rep. Gablinkse's bill has been referred to the house judiciary committee for consideration.