Why is it a law that we wear helmets/seat-belts to protect ourselves?

Question

It's my life, shouldn't i be able to make the choice for myself. Rather then some stranger i never even heard of making the choice for me?

Answer 1

the seatbelt law is just a money maker for the states/cities. Millions of children ride around on school buses everyday with out seatbelts. The seatbelts are a saftey device, and should be used, but the laws are more money makers then for safty issues. Helmets are more for saftey, the anything, and should be common sence.

Answer 2

It's a law because the government's job is to protect us, even sometimes from ourselves. Sure, it's a free country, but that's why there's a speed limit, too. People will do 120 mph and cause devistating, fatal crashes if it's not policed. It's the same thing. Auto safety must be enforced, much as I sometimes dislike wearing a seatbelt.

The best way is to just ignore the problem. Put your seatbelt on and don't worry about it. It's really not THAT important on the grand scale of things, is it? It may seem overbearing, but the best way is to not worry about it.

And yes, it is your life. Unlike the fatal crashes where they're also worried about other people's lives, this is just you. But there's a parallel. They're saving your life when they police the meat industry for health-code violations. They may be cutting off your ability to buy the meat, but aren't you a damn sight happier? No need to complain. It's just a law, man.

Answer 3

I feel these type laws are more for money generated thru fines than safety. Most if not all states require seat belts in a car but many don't require a helment on a motorcycle. So I wonder, would I be more safe riding on my hood? Helments and seatbelts should be a personal choice

Answer 4

Because when you get seriously injured from NOT wearing protective gear when you might have walked away with minor injuries, then it becomes everyone else's problem.

The idea of insurance or governmental programs is that it spreads cost over a large group of people. How much do you suppose it might cost to maintain you in a partially paralyzed state for life? I say it would be fine for you to do what you want if you posted a two million dollar bond in escrow somewhere. If a bad thing happens, then its on your tab. It is in the public interest that you NOT unnecessarily seriously injure yourself...therefore we have laws.

Answer 5

because when you end up in the hospital its the government tax payer flip the bill and medical cost are only part of it , the safer you are the cheaper it's proven in the long run when in a wreck the police come that's cost fire department comes that's money the ambulance comes that's money and then the brain surgeon at the emergency wants paid but most people don't either have enough medical ins or non at all and its to help with that and also its revenue for the department to site some one for not wearing one its a fine and the fine makes revenue and there is just list of things why, but believe me its not that they care its all about money they could care less if you spill your brains all over they just don't want to pay for the clean up

Answer 6

Work in an emergency room sometime and you will never drive a vehicle without your seat belt or ride a motorcycle without a helmet. There is a saying ER personnel say "Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is a organ donor waiting to happen".

Answer 7

Hmmm...because the cops are tired of sweeping people up off the side of the road with a broom, and blotter paper? LOL

Basically, law enforcement wants people to try and be safe...you may feel all brave and heroic, but physics doesn't play. You can bend the road rules, but the laws of physics will slap you down like a little ***** if you cross Mother Nature...that highway may look innocent, but look down out the window or off your bike sometime when you're doing about 70....that's a concrete/asphalt BELT SANDER, and washing you off the road isn't anyone's idea of a good time...ride/drive smart, or stay off the road...you'll live longer...

Answer 8

As long as you're willing to sign a release so that my tax (and insurance) dollars don't pay for your medical bills when the insurance runs out or take care of your family when you're dead or keep you on life support for 20 years, I will concede to your right to drive without a belt or helmet.

Until such time, belt up and use the brain bucket!

I used to drive an ambulance. We referred to your type as "organ donors."

Answer 9

It might be your life, but when you get a head injury becuase you weren't wearing your seat belt, everyone's insurance rates and medical costs goes up. But that's okay, you just don't wear your helmet, go as fast as you can.

Answer 10

Because the insurance industry wanted it that way to reduce their liability. A lot of laws are in place because the insurance industry wants it that way. If you want it otherwise, you'll have to become aware of bills coming up for consideration and try to counter the insurance industry instead of sitting at home chokin' the chicken...