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From: slana@crystal.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.auto,net.flame,net.kids,net.singles
Subject: Re: Seat belts
Message-ID: <448@crystal.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 24-Apr-85 11:20:06 EST
Article-I.D.: crystal.448
Posted: Wed Apr 24 11:20:06 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 26-Apr-85 21:54:32 EST
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*** ***

Many people have already brought up the higher insurance rates brought on
by the ~85% of people on the road who feel that the discomfort/inconvenience
of safety belts outweigh the risk of destroying a windshield with a face, 
but how 'bout other factors where their refusal for protection affects others?

Consider this - 
I wear safety belts religiously.  The government has talked about mandatory
passive restraints in U.S. manufactured cars (b.t.w., I have no idea what
the current status of this issue is, perhaps someone could follow up?).
If airbags are eventually required, I will have to pay somewher around $600
extra on a car for a feature which is not as effective as the safety belts
I already wear (the effectiveness in front end crashes can be debated, but
airbags offer no protection in side or rear crashes, can go off in a glancing
collision blocking the drivers view from avoiding a second collision).

(I am relatively new to this newsgroup, and apologize if the airbag issue
has already been discussed to death).

Added comment -
  I am a big auto racing fan, and have seen guys survive head on collisions
with walls at 180+ mph.  When I see the boys at Indy/Daytona/etc. come up
with a better idea than belts, maybe I'll consider it, but until then I'll
be strapped in for even the 1 block drive for groceries...

-Chuck

generic disclaimer - these are merely the rantings of a madman who assumes
	all responsibility for its contents.