Seatbelts aren’t decorations
My ears tend to perk up when I hear anything to do with driving. Whether it’s on the TV news, people having a conversation or in print, I listen carefully to what people are saying. Sometimes I use these methods to update my knowledge of driving techniques and changes to driving laws. Sometimes, I hear things that make me laugh; kind of a pitiful laugh actually.
Locally, our police department has beefed up seatbelt awareness for all drivers and passengers. One driver that was interviewed on our local news station said “It’s an invasion of my privacy.” if he was made to wear his seatbelt. Really? What a lame excuse that was. He should have said that he was too lazy or juvenile to put it on. That would have been more honest of him.
When something in motion stops immediately, anything not restrained will continue to move in a forward motion. That would include occupants of the vehicle. It’s the driver’s responsibility to ensure their passengers are safe from start to end of the trip. They also have the responsibility to ensure they’re safe. What would their family do if they were thrown from the vehicle and injured or killed? What would their family do without them able to work and support their family; financially and emotionally? It’s a pretty selfish opinion if a driver says they won’t wear their seatbelt because it’s an invasion of their privacy.
Statistics also say that seatbelts aren’t used as much in rural areas compared to urban areas. Is this because there isn’t as much traffic? Is it because those drivers are lazy? Regardless of their reasons, it only takes a sudden stop or a swerve to make the driver lose seating position; which means loss of steering control.
A properly worn seatbelt keeps the occupant upright. It allows you to stay in control of your vehicle. If you’re thrown across your seat because you swerved to your left, good luck. Here are a few reasons to wear a seatbelt if you won’t accept the fact it can save your life. Wear it so you can avoid paying a fine. Wear one so it’s easier for rescuers to locate your body during a recue or even wear one so your kids have a proper role model.
Whatever your reason, think about your future. Stop belonging to the “It won’t happen to me” club and take responsibility of your life, your family and your vehicle.
I must admit I don’t know anyone who doesn’t use these. I still see many people in our rural area on phones. Citiots, though!
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Bouncy roads and fast turns can thrown one from their seat.
I find that, as a driver, I have to wear my seatbelt to keep my body in front of the steering wheel, so that I may safely control the car.
I used to be more lackadaisical about my passengers wearing their seatbelts; that was until one bounced in to my lap between myself and the steering wheel. Now I always insist that all passengers wear their seatbelt whist I am driving. I cannot afford to lose control of the vehicle I am driving merely because a passenger did not put on their seatbelt.
I learned 2 ALWAYS wear a seat belt & make sure ALL passengers R belted, 2, WAAAAAAAY back in the ’60’s when a friend was almost killed in a crash: Paramedics said she would NOT hav survived IF she hadn’t been wearing her SEATBELT! STAY SAFE: Turn OFF Cell; Put ON Seatbelt B/4 Driving!
If people like these would stop imposing on my privacy, (read: pocketbook) by using expensive medical services after they crash, I might support their desire to not wear a seatbelt. However, they generally expect every penny of government (read: you and me) support that they can possibly get after they are hurt. It’s a selfish and poorly thought through comment.
It’s not just your money (and my money) through the government. Insurance is a pool of funds we all pay into for those (hopefully) rare times we need it. Raised insurance premiums are another way we all pay for bad drivers and the results of their poor choices whilst driving. Our clogged courts are another thing we suffer with, as we still see far too many driving/traffic related cases which consume far too much valuable court time and resources.
Any time I have been out in the country and someone has to make a quick run to the store, or to get gas or whatever they have to do “quickly” they don’t secure themselves. If I get in a vehicle I will always snap my belt and if necessary, adjust it to fit me. That’s when the excuse rears it’s ugly face: “I don’t bother with mine because you never see the cops out here.”
They only wear their seatbelt out in the country when they’re afraid of being caught.
In my experience I have come to this conclusion regarding rural seatbelt usage.