According to Washington State law, who is responsible for ensuring that seat belts are worn?

In Washington State, the law stipulates that all passengers under the age of 16 are required to wear seat belts. This places the responsibility on the driver to ensure that these passengers are buckled up. The rationale behind this law is to promote safety for younger passengers, who are more vulnerable in the event of a crash.

While it may seem like the driver holds the ultimate responsibility for compliance with seat belt laws, the law specifically emphasizes the need for seat belts to be worn by younger passengers due to their higher risk of injury in accidents. Seat belts are a critical safety feature, and young passengers do not always have the maturity or awareness to ensure they are buckled up without adult supervision.

For older passengers and those in the front seat, Washington State law blends individual responsibility with the driver’s responsibility, as adults are generally expected to buckle themselves up. However, the unique focus on passengers under 16 highlights the importance of protecting those who may not be able to advocate for their own safety.