Everyone,
The seatbelt issue certainly seems like an emotional one. Because of that,
I'm tempted to stay out of it completely; however, I would like to point out
one related issue that I find completely ridiculous. My state (Arkansas,
and I'm sure there are others with a similar situation) has a seatbelt law,
but does not require adult motorcycle riders to wear a helmet! We actually
had a helmet law, but did away with it about the time the seatbelt law was
enacted.
Personally, I always wear a seatbelt when I'm in a car, and always wear a
helmet when I ride a motorcycle (though that doesn't happen very often
anymore since I got rid of the motorcycle to get back into British cars).
I'm sure there are certain situations where a seatbelt could actually
increase one's risks of being injured; however, I suspect that statistically
one stands a much better chance with the seatbelt on. On the other hand, I
can't imagine a situation where one would be better off without a helmet if
involved in a accident on a motorcycle... But then helmets aren't required
in cars... and seatbelts aren't required on motorcycles...
Perhaps our roads would be safer if we just did away with all safety devices
(seatbelts, helmets, airbags, big ugly bumpers, etc.), and simply started
requiring IQ tests as part of the driver licensing procedure. :)
Kurtis Jones
Russellville, Arkansas
1963 TR4 - CT19389L
1959 AH Bugeye - AN5L23250
www.geocities.com/tr4_1963
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