Edward J. Claghorn patented his idea for seat or safety belts and the first seat belts appeared in vehicles in 1885. Since then, the lap-and-shoulder belt, the 2-point seat belt, and the 3-point seat belt have all been introduced into modern automobiles. Researchers have found that seatbelts are crucial when it comes to saving a person’s life. In the 1990s, laws were enforced within various states of the United States to force people to buckle their seat belts when driving or riding in an automobile. These laws were established to ensure the safety of the driver and any passengers in a vehicle if an accident occurred. Many people believe that wearing a seat belt should be a matter of personal choice, instead of being forced into wearing a seat belt.
There are two different types of seat belt laws: primary and secondary. The primary seat belt law enables police officers to issue a ticket to a driver without any other traffic violation being violated. The secondary seat belt law allows police officers to only issue a ticket for not wearing a seat belt when other traffic violations have been violated. Thus far, 32 states have enforced the primary seat belt law and 17 states have enforced the secondary seat belt law. New Hampshire is the only state without any sort of seat belt law.
Regarding the state of Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation enforced a campaign, known as “Click It or Ticket” to promote awareness to the public about how important it is to wear a seat belt. This campaign goes on for two weeks, from May 24 until June 6, and includes Memorial Day weekend. During these two weeks police officers have a zero tolerance for people not wearing seat belts and they do not hesitate to issue a $10 fine.
Wearing a seat belt is vitally important because if one is ever in a severe accident this safety precaution could save a person’s life. A prime example of tragedy resulting in not a wearing a seat belt would be the death of Princess Diana. The road safety minister said that her death could have been avoided if she would have been wearing her seat belt. Multiple car crashes every year have resulted in deaths by people who were not wearing their seat belts. However, people who choose to wear their seat belts are more likely to sustain minor to severe injuries, but ultimately remaining alive. Also, by consistently wearing a seat belt one does not have to worry about getting a ticket and is fully complying with the law.
Overall, I strongly believe everyone should wear their seat belts. If one does not wear a seat belt, they may pay the ultimate price. The safety of the driver and any passengers is the number reason to wear a seat belt. I feel more lives could have been saved in fatal car accidents if those people would have been wearing their seat belts. Just remember, “Buckle up” for safety.
I am a firm believer of wearing a seat belt. Anyone who gets in my car is required (not only by the car, but by me) to put their seat belt on. If they choose not to, then they choose to walk. I also think that a parent is teaching their children a good habit every time they buckle up. When a child always sees an adult buckle and make sure they are buckled, it leads the child to grow up respecting the use of a seat belt.
ReplyDeleteSeat belts are SO important. I have been in several accidents, and I would not be here today if not for my seatbelt. Anyone who has ever ridden with me knows that my car won't budge until everyone is buckled up safely. I have even sat at stop signs for several minutes until some people buckled up, if I didn't realize they were unbuckled. The added pressure of aggrevated cars lining up behind us is certain to get them to buckle (:
ReplyDelete