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From: res@ihuxn.UUCP (Rich Strebendt)
Newsgroups: net.followup
Subject: Re: mandatory seatbelt laws
Message-ID: <525@ihuxn.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 27-Jan-84 12:09:30 EST
Article-I.D.: ihuxn.525
Posted: Fri Jan 27 12:09:30 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 28-Jan-84 06:01:22 EST
References: <3438@tekecs.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 34

With all the discussion of seatbelt laws and the need to FORCE some
idiots to protect their own lives, I thought that the way that I became
a convert to buckling up might be of interest -- perhaps as an
addition to the laws.

The University at which I did my undergraduate work had (and probably
still has) a fine Department of Engineering Mechanics which had a
contract with one of the auto makers to aid in the quest for a better
windshield (the results of which quest are now incorporated in American
passenger cars).  In order to test the effects of bouncing a human
skull off of a windshield they used REAL human skulls -- unclaimed 
cadavers from the city morgue which were used for this research then
given a proper burial.  I had an opportunity to view some of the film
footage shot during these tests.  Watching a REAL person (whatever
their state of life) bouncing off of a windshield and seeing the
resultant mess (even in slow motion) then realizing that some day that
could be a REAL you ... 

I now feel very uncomfortable in an automobile without a belt
snuggly fastened around my waist and another gently laying across my 
chest.

What I would propose is that the manditory seatbelt laws be VIGOROUSLY
enforced (to protect me from the stupidity of drivers who do not wear
them), that insurance benefits be denied to any driver involved in an
accident and found to have been beltless at the time, and that all 
drivers be REQUIRED to view a film such as the one I did so that they
can see very graphically the results of stupidity.  I would not expect
quite so much static about dubious "freedoms" after viewing such a
film.  I know that it had its effect on me ... I ALWAYS buckle up and
insist that my passengers do so also.

					Rich Strebendt
					...!ihnp4!ihuxn!res