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From: jlh@hou2e.UUCP (J.HEATWOLE)
Newsgroups: net.flame
Subject: net.seatbelts.only
Message-ID: <551@hou2e.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 22-Apr-85 15:21:36 EST
Article-I.D.: hou2e.551
Posted: Mon Apr 22 15:21:36 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 23-Apr-85 06:34:13 EST
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 40


So far, I've counted three primary arguments from the pro-seat-belt-law
camp.  In summary:

	1) Every "provider" has a responsibility to maximize his or her
	   personal safety for the sake of family members.  In addition,
	   this provider has the responsibility for ensuring the safety
	   of young family members.

	2) If wearing a safety belt, a driver will have a much greater 
	   chance of maintaining control of a vehicle after impact.

	3) By not wearing safety belts, drivers and passengers become
	   much greater risks for serious injury, thereby increasing
	   everyone's insurance rates.

1) Indeed, every provider does have these responsibilities, and in the case
   of young children I agree that they should be secured in children's 
   seats or safety belts by law.  But the adult's responsibility is a
   personal one along the same lines of avoiding alcoholism and excessive
   gambling.  It should not be enforced by law.

2) I'm sure that this one is true in most cases, but it seems that the
   "runaway car causing more injuries and fatalities" accident is not
   a frequent occurence.  Furthermore, it seems to me that outlawing cars
   with automatic transmissions (except for the handicapped) would reduce
   this sort of occurence by more than a seat belt law.

3) This seems intuitively obvious, and I'm sure that it's true.  But why
   not handle this in the insurance companies like the reduced life and 
   medical insurances for non-smokers and non-heavy drinkers.  Maybe if the
   police catch someone not wearing a seatbelt, it could be reported to
   their insurance company?

By the way, I wear my belt and shoulder harness and encourage my passengers
to do the same.  Now, where did I put that 1-900 number that I can call
to vote "No" on the seat belt issue?

				Jeff Heatwole
				..!hou2e!jlh