Truck seat belt law revived, OK'd in Georgia Senate

ATLANTA — The Senate has again revived and approved a Dalton senator's proposal that would force pickup truck drivers to wear their seat belts.

The bill passed with a vote of 45-2. Bill sponsor Sen. Don Thomas, a physician and Republican from Dalton, says the measure will save lives and money in the state.

Thomas says he is encouraged that the proposal, which has not had much luck in the House in years past, will fare better under that chamber’s new leadership. Georgia would become eligible for federal incentive grants if the legislation passes.

The state is the last in the country that exempts adults from buckling up in pickups. Though there is no opposition to the measure from lobbyists, rural lawmakers have blocked the bill as unnecessary regulation.