A bill that would require adult passengers to wear a seatbelt in the back seat of a car gained final passage in the Democratic-led state Senate on Tuesday.

The measure was previously approved in the Democratic-controlled state Assembly and now goes to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for his consideration. 

“Wearing seat belts saves lives. That is why we need to ensure our state’s residents use them,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said in a statement. “Having a seatbelt on while in motor vehicles is a common sense way to save lives and prevent tragedies."

Half of the 37,133 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017 were not wearing a seat belt. 

The proposal covers passengers in cars who are 16 years old and older. 

“Requiring the use of a seat belt in the back seat will save lives and prevent tragedies," said Sen. David Carlucci, the Democratic sponsor of the bill in the chamber. "Numbers do not lie. If you fail to buckle up in the backseat, experts say you are two times more likely to be killed and 8 times more likely to be seriously injured."