TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
Safety advocates around the nation say Arizona has some real concerns when it comes to highway safety laws.
The biggest concerns, they say, revolve around seatbelts and motorcycle helmets.
Arizona has only a secondary enforcement law, meaning police cannot pull you over for simply not wearing a seatbelt. And motorcycle helmets are not a requirement here.
Because of this, the advocates for highway and auto safety rank Arizona among the six worst states in the nation for highway safety laws.
In 2011, they say 97 lives could have been saved in Arizona had those collision victims been wearing a seatbelt.
They also say 233 lives were saved that year because of seatbelts.
It all boils down to more laws and what motorists feel comfortable with.
People we spoke with say it's still a matter of common sense.
"I really don't know," Lou Peralta said. "I'm kind of in favor of not having so many laws. Maybe more education, more classes, more when you get a driver's license. That type of thing.
"I mean there has to be some intelligent thought to driving, some education. You can't protect everyone from themselves."
Arizona does rank high for its DUI laws. It's among 17 states that require ignition interlock devices for all DUI offenders.
But Arizona is not among the 35 states that completely ban texting and driving.
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