There are plenty of opinions of this subject. Can someone guide me to rationales given by lawmakers and lobby organizations for making this a requirement? I do a search and only get sites against this kind of law or ones talking about schol buses.
2006-09-26 14:34:53 · 9 answers · asked by kennethmattos 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
I see from the first three answers arguments for and against these laws. What I want are stated rationales given by lawmakers and lobbying groups on behalf of these laws.
2006-09-26 14:49:17 · update #1
Analysis of vehicle collisions involving death or serious injury has shown that it is safer to wear a seat-belt because it is MORE LIKELY to protect you than to cause you a problem. The reasoning behind the legal enforcement is this: It costs society more money to deal with the consequences of these injuries, than to police the enforcement of a rule likely to reduce such injuries.
So, the law deliberately removes the freedom of choice, in the over all interest of society. Just like any other law.
As another example, I am a fully qualified police driving instructor and in the right circumstances am legally allowed to drive in excess of the speed limits on public roads. When driving my own vehicle, I am the same person with the same qualifications and in my opinion I can still drive safely at speeds in excess of the posted limits. However, I understand the need for a law about speeds because of the lack of training available to the AVERAGE citizen.
So although on a personal level I don't like it, I recognise the requirement for these types of laws.
2006-09-26 14:54:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The lobbyists behind these kind of big brother laws use the "concerned about people" facade. These concerned citizens are usually bankrolled by insurance companies and law and order interests. Money is the only reason for seat belt and helmet type laws that make us all victimless criminals. Why did the speed limit get raised. Everyone knows death rates in crashes would increase.. My auto rates have never decreases since my state finally buckled to the threat of federal highway robbery. Monies states pay the feds. in Good faith that Federal road obligations will be honored. and surpluses returned.. Why would anyone vote to risk the future infrastructure of their state in this way. It was the first and hopefully the last time such blackmail was used to force such intrusive and anti-choice laws upon the states. Just follow the hypocrisy and you will find the money.
2006-09-28 08:21:40 · answer #2 · answered by bandaras 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In most cases, the people proposing these laws argue that they will save lives, as has been adequately demonstrated through history of seat belts, and will reduce injuries. They are quick to point out that the reduction of injuries lowers the medical costs of accidents, amny of which they claim go unpaid in emergency rooms. If we lower the claims that go unpaid, we lower the expense to the government, which should mean we lower taxes.
So far, I have yet to see my taxes lowered, but I guess it could be argued that they at least slowed the increase rate.
Of course, I am opposed to these types of laws which try to protect us from our own decisions. I am an adult and can make up my own mind on safety and risk issues.
2006-09-26 14:53:06 · answer #3 · answered by Steve R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seatbelts are required for adults for the same reason they are required for children. In case of an accident you wont go flying out the front window and get tore up on your way out or worse still thrown from the car and have the car roll over you..How old are you?
2006-09-26 14:48:53 · answer #4 · answered by trina k 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
okay, think of it this way.. if you're in a car with 2 other people.. and you have your seatbelt on, that doesn't mean you're safe.. bc if the other passengers aren't wearing theirs, then if something happens (knock on wood) their bodies can be thrown into yours and you will be killed anyway... just wear your seatbelt its not that hard
2006-09-26 14:49:27 · answer #5 · answered by kat 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they are your first line of defense in an auto accident. If you are in am accident, uninsured and thrown from the car, you will likely die. If you live, chances are you will be crippled for life and be on permanent disability, which costs the state alot of money. So buckle up stupid!!
2006-09-26 14:38:06 · answer #6 · answered by parental unit 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Legislators assume that we all are three year olds and can't make our own decisions.
"Nanny State" :-) I like that.
2006-09-26 21:07:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
so that you don't become a flying projectile during a collision and kill someone else with your flying soon to be mangled body.
2006-09-26 14:39:07 · answer #8 · answered by harold p 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
"Nanny State" Government policies. That's why I'm a Libertarian; I'll make my own damn choices thanks; as long as I don't infringe on anyone else's rights I should be able to do as I please.
2006-09-26 14:36:56 · answer #9 · answered by Ironwolf56 3 · 2⤊ 4⤋