State Lawmakers wimp out
From the News & Observer:
Legislators on Monday gave final approval to a measure expanding the state’s seat belt law to include adults riding in the back seat of passenger cars.
The law would kick in Dec. 1. But for the first seven months — until next July — law enforcement officers won’t issue tickets, only warnings. After that, the law straps back-seat passengers who are not wearing a seat belt with $10 penalties.
The Senate approved the bill Monday night on a 30-17 vote. The measure now goes to Gov. Mike Easley for his signature.
The approved bill is weaker than what many senators wanted. The House reduced the penalty — the Senate had wanted $25 plus $50 for court costs — and exempted back-seat passengers in motor homes.
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So, safety isn’t important in North Carolina? $10 fine. The fine for jaywalking is more than $10 isn’t it? Why should motor homes be exempt? Aren’t passengers wandering around in the back at high risk of death or injury if they are not belted? This is an excellent example of politics over data. It is clear that backseat passengers who are belted have a higher survival rate than those who are not. This data isn’t new. It is from 1999, NTHSA -
The principal conclusions are: back seat lap belts are 32 percent effective in reducing fatalities and lap/shoulder belts are 44 percent effective in reducing fatalities when compared to unrestrained back seat occupants in passenger cars. In passenger vans and Sport Utility Vehicles, lap belts are 63 percent effective and lap/shoulder belts are 73 percent effective. The change from lap to lap/shoulder belts has significantly enhanced occupant protection, especially in frontal crashes.
One of these days lawmakers will make laws based on what is BEST for us and consistent with available data!!
Hrm…What is best for us… sorry, I have to disagree with you on this one. I do not think that their (the legislators) job is to “protect ourselves from ourselves.” I believe that everyone who chooses to drive or be a passenger in a vehicle has the responsability to keep themselves and others safe and to be accountable. You have already paid for the car, you pay taxes on it every year, you pay for the inspection on it, you pay for the insurance on it, AND you pay for your own health insurance. This law protects the insurance companies, not the consumer. While I do agree that you SHOULD wear a seatbelt (common sense would seem to dictate that) I do not think it is up to lawmakers to decide for you that you need to buckle up. Motorcycles aren’t illegal yet are they? Or scooters? bikes?
Interesting thought. Unfortunately, everyone does not have health insurance. Data suggests that those without health insurance are more prone to risky behavoir like no selt belts or no helmet. When they get injured who pays?
While every adult should be “free” to make bad decisions, what about their children? I took care of a 5 year old who was in a Motor vehicle crash. Her mother was drunk and belted into the car. The 5 year old was not. The mother had a couple of scratches. The 5 year old was severely injured. So, how to you play this? A fine? No amount of money would be right. Time in jail? That would penalize the child even more wouldn’t it?
this is one of those fundamental questions. What is the purpose of government? Is it to protect the people? Or something else…like support big business? I don’t pretend to have the right answer. All I can say is that this question is very important for us to answer…as a nation.
Thanks for your response. Very thoughtful!!