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From: wh@homxb.UUCP (W.HEINMILLER)
Newsgroups: net.singles,net.auto
Subject: Re: No Seatbelts only hurts me
Message-ID: <584@homxb.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 19-Apr-85 10:52:07 EST
Article-I.D.: homxb.584
Posted: Fri Apr 19 10:52:07 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 20-Apr-85 03:23:29 EST
Organization: Bell Communications Research
Lines: 36
Xref: watmath net.singles:6706 net.auto:6455

Comments on a recent submission by Gail Bayley Hanrahan
			(ihnp4!sdcsvax!calmasd!gail)

> I think it's pretty well established that it's smart to wear a
> seat belt.  But if I don't wear a seat belt, I'm not endangering
> anyone but myself. 

By not wearing a seatbelt you endanger my pocketbook/wallet.
My insurance rates are based on all the people that get hurt
because they won't/don't wear seatbelts.

> The REAL issue is, should the government(s) be making laws
> *requiring* people to wear seat belts just because it's "for
> your own good"?  Can we next expect legislation requiring us to
> take vitamins, as well?  [sarcasm]

The >REAL< issue is whether I can be forced to pay to make
up for the stupidity of people that won't take reasonable
precautions when they place themselves in a hazardous
environment.

> Where do we draw the line?

I think a reasonable alternative might be a solution
like I have heard is used in some European countries.
They leave the decision to wear a seatbelt up to you,
but if you get hurt without a seatbelt, the insurance
benefits you can collect are severely limited.
They consider not wearing a seatbelt "contributory
negligence".  (You've contributed to the severity
of your injuries.)

	Wayne Heinmiller	Bell Communications Research
	ihnp4!houxm!homxb!wh	Freehold, NJ

"Seatbelts - Don't leave home without them!"