ATLANTA - Gov. Sonny Perdue is preparing to sign legislation requiring adults riding in pickup trucks to wear seat belts.
Perdue is scheduled to go to Dalton, Ga., to sign the measure Thursday afternoon.
The legislation had been blocked by state House leaders until this year when Speaker David Ralston allowed it to come to a vote.
The National Highway Safety Administration and the Georgia Department of Transportation have estimated changing the law will save 21 lives and prevent 300 injuries each year. Supporters estimate it could save $30 million in hospital costs each year.
Georgia already requires minors to wear seat belts and adults to wear them in all vehicles except pickups.