WichitaFallsComplete.com
Unlike the poor people of North Korea, we are not the property of the state. Actually, they aren't either, but they've been bamboozled into believing so.
Seatbelt laws are nothing less than proof that (1) the state considers its citizens mere property, and (2) the people, not realizing or caring that the laws belong to them and not the state, allow themselves to be treated as property.
A blurb in the June 9, 2009 Wichita Falls Times Record News stated that the Wichita Falls Click It or Ticket campaign that ran from May 18 - 31, ended with 372 tickets written. Now, that was only for a focused push on seatbelt violations for that period. Seatbelt tickets are issued every day.
First. Let me say that people are foolish if they do not wear a seatbelt, and just as foolish if they do not require their passengers to wear a seatbelt. I'm sure you've heard of "G forces", a physics term used to describe acceleration forces. At 1G, a 150 lb. person weighs 150 lbs. At 2G, that 150 lb. Person effectively weighs 300 lbs.
A high-speed accident can generate anywhere from 25 to 50 "Gs"?. Let's use the lower figure of 25 Gs. A 150 lb. Passenger, sitting directly behind the driver (you), will weigh at least 3,750 pounds in a high-speed frontal collision. If they are not wearing a seatbelt, all 3,750 pounds of them will come forward, smashing the driver (you) against the steering column. That's over 1 ½ tons hitting you in the back and smashing you against the steering column. You will not survive. The passenger will not survive, either.
But, if you are an adult, it is your right to be foolish. It is your right not to wear a seatbelt. The state of Texas realizes that you have a right to be foolish as evidenced by the current motorcycle helmet laws. You see people every day legally riding a motorcycle without a helmet. Foolish, but we all do foolish things from time to time. As long as our foolishness does not endanger others, then we are allowed to be foolish.
The state has not chosen to regulate or ban skydiving, yet! No amount of helmets, padding or any other device will save you from a really bad day at the drop zone. But since 99.9999% of skydiving accidents involve only the unlucky jumper, who cares? Since 99.999% of injuries caused by unbelted drivers involve only the occupants of that vehicle, who should care? It is our right to be foolish.
There's an argument out there that says that mandatory seatbelt use saves millions of dollars in medical expenses each year. This is probably true. But it has to be a personal choice as to whether or not you want to contribute your efforts to that cause.
There is only one condition where the occupants of a vehicle should be required to wear a seatbelt. That condition is where there is a child in the vehicle. When a child is in the vehicle, all occupants of that vehicle should be wearing a seatbelt. A child cannot make a responsible decision as to whether or not they should wear a seatbelt, nor can they decide whether or not they want to be the target of 3,750 lb. missiles flying around the vehicle.
Of course, you have every right to believe that the current seatbelts laws are a good thing. I for one, will not be mad at you for taking that position. This is America and hopefully we can agree to disagree, peacefully, and fight it out at the voting booth.
If you believe that the current seatbelt laws are bad, then write to your elected representatives and let them know how you feel. Oh, and don't be bamboozled by the threat of the federal government withholding highway funds if we are not obedient. What money, other than our own tax money, is the federal government threatening us with? Don't let it happen!
Make the right PERSONAL choice and wear your seatbelt!
Maynard Hawkins
SGT - WFPD - Retired