Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83 based; site houem.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!hou3c!hocda!houxm!houem!hgp From: hgp@houem.UUCP (Howard Page) Newsgroups: net.auto Subject: manditory seatbelt laws ??? Message-ID: <256@houem.UUCP> Date: Tue, 5-Jun-84 10:49:02 EDT Article-I.D.: houem.256 Posted: Tue Jun 5 10:49:02 1984 Date-Received: Wed, 6-Jun-84 06:37:39 EDT Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ Lines: 45 <.> New subject: mandatory seatbelt law In line with all the tough talk about drunk driving, I would like to propose an idea that might save additional lives, a mandatory seatbelt law. As best memory serves me, I believe about 10% of Americans wear their seatbelt. There is a mandatory seatbelt law in the Federal Republic of Germany and the percentage of seatbelt use there is about 80% (however, is this due to the mandatory seatbelt law ???). A variation of this idea could possibly be to have a law which says, while driving in a car, one must "use every available resource to protect oneself from injury." So, if one is not wearing his/her seatbelt, and is involved in an accident in which another party is at fault, the other party's liability for the first party's injury would be limited. The reduction of injuries due to car accidents is a goal our society should work toward both for the general public welfare and to reduce our outlay for health care. I, however, have my own selfish motivation for a mandatory seatbelt law. I wear my seatbelt. I pay $900/year for insurance in NJ (with a clean record). I do not wish to purchase a car with airbags. I believe those who take the initiative to protect themselves should not support the rest. But, this country has too many laws already. I also believe our problem solving ability leaves something to be desired when we simply make a law when there appears to be a problem. So, I think that any additional laws such as the ones I suggested must be thought through very carefully before enacted. The question is, "Will it work?" Howard G. Page ..!ihnp4!houem!hgp