The public hearing was to discuss Bill 8-24, which proposes to amend Title 25 of the Yap State Code, by adding a new section 508 for motor vehicle safety, and by renumbering section 508 as 509, and for other purposes.
The proposed amendment would require that any persons operating or riding in a motor vehicle in Yap must comply with the following under the new section 508 – Motor Vehicle and Passenger Safety.
(a) Unless otherwise specified by law, all persons in a moving vehicle must wear a seatbelt, harness or similar type safety straps.
(b) Persons below the age of 6 shall not ride on the front passenger seat next to the driver, unless there is a specifically designed car seat for that purpose or the vehicle is a single cabin truck.
(c) No person shall drive while holding a baby or child.
(d) No person shall hold a child on the front passenger seat next to the driver while the vehicle is in operation, Unless the vehicle is a single cabin truck; and
(e) No person shall use a cell phone while operating a vehicle.
After discussing the detail of the measure with the principal witnesses who came from the state Department of Public Safety, the Attorney General’s Office and members of the public who offered their testimonies during the public hearing, Chairman Jesse Raglmar- Subolmar of the committee said they will take all the concerns under advisement.
