Motorists advised to start
adhering to new traffic rules
PHILIPSBURG--In less than a month the new traffic regulations will go into effect and motorists are being advised to start adhering to the new rules from now. The new rules will go into effect on August 1.
Under the new regulations all persons riding in a vehicle will be required to wear a seatbelt; children will have to be properly secured in a child restraint safety seat; persons riding quads and trikes are being “strongly advised” to wear a helmet and it will be forbidden to use a mobile phone while behind the wheel. Only hands-free devices will be allowed. It will also be mandatory for vehicles to stop at marked pedestrian crossings, thereby giving pedestrians right of way.
“Motorists and pedestrians are advised to pay keen attention to the changes that will be forthcoming, as they will impact the daily lives of residents to the benefit of their own safety and that of their family when utilizing the public road network system,” Government Information Services (GIS) said in a press release on Monday.
Once the amended law is enacted, GIS said, car rental companies will have to ensure that they have child restraint safety seats for their clientele who have children. Wholesalers and suppliers of child safety seats and helmets are being advised to have an adequate supply of the aforementioned in stock.
“Child restraint safety seats will have to comply with international standards, bearing the internationally established quality mark. The regulation of the quality standard will also come into effect as per August 1,” GIS said.
Cell phone providers are also being advised to have an adequate supply of hands-free devices that cell phone users can purchase. “With respect to seat belts, the traffic ordinance stipulates that old vehicles with a manufacturing date of 1986 and after must have front seat belts, while those manufactured in 1994 and after must have safety belts in the front and back seats of the vehicle. Safety belts can prevent death,” the release said.
