Opinions on seatbelt/helmet laws?

[BlancoNino]

Originally posted by: thereaderrabbit
After reading a good bit of the thread, here are my findings thus far.

Seatbelt and helmet laws:

Pros:
* saves lives
* lessens injury
* saves money
* helps prevent accidents
* helps prevent injury and death which can keep roads closed longer after accidents


Cons:
* prevents the 'wind in your hair' feeling for people with motor bikes
* provides bitches with something to bitch about

PS. I'd be against helmet laws if bikers were given a choice of (1) always wearing a helmet or (2) signing up to be an organ donor (where the burden of proving you're 'not quite dead yet' was put solely on a biker).

The government has no business protecting people from themselves. How does not wearing a seatbelt help prevent an accident? If anything, it's the other way around...because if I wasn't wearing my seatbelt, I'd be driving much more cautiously. And as far as keeping roads closed longer...cops will be pulling people over more often (often times where there is no shoulder) to write seat belt tickets, which completely nullifies your argument about lanes being closed longer.

Your cons are biased.

 

[thereaderrabbit]

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: thereaderrabbit
After reading a good bit of the thread, here are my findings thus far.

Seatbelt and helmet laws:

Pros:
* saves lives
* lessens injury
* saves money
* helps prevent accidents
* helps prevent injury and death which can keep roads closed longer after accidents


Cons:
* prevents the 'wind in your hair' feeling for people with motor bikes
* provides bitches with something to bitch about

PS. I'd be against helmet laws if bikers were given a choice of (1) always wearing a helmet or (2) signing up to be an organ donor (where the burden of proving you're 'not quite dead yet' was put solely on a biker).

The government has no business protecting people from themselves. How does not wearing a seatbelt help prevent an accident? If anything, it's the other way around...because if I wasn't wearing my seatbelt, I'd be driving much more cautiously. And as far as keeping roads closed longer...cops will be pulling people over more often (often times where there is no shoulder) to write seat belt tickets, which completely nullifies your argument about lanes being closed longer.

Your cons are biased.

Do you really think that non-seatbelt drivers are more cautious? After a week or two, perhaps a few minutes on the road this caution would quickly fade. As a whole I think they are less cautious. If they were cautious they would probably wear the seatbelt. Case in point- I work in a laboratory, if someone does not wear the proper safety equipment when working with hazards they are making themselves less safe.

Seatbelts help keep people from getting injured in crashes. When the injuries are prevented or less severe, getting the scene cleaned up is quicker. My experience here is that as a kid I only got injured in one auto accident (no seat belt on) and as a teenager I did bike racing and have been in numerous wrecks, but suffered a concussion once (one of the only times I wasn't wearing a helmet).

Cops pulling people over rarely slows down traffic.

Seriously, I agree about not liking government in my life, but sometimes it's best for society at large. Right now the chemical plant I work at is the number two hydrogen user in the USA behind NASA. I can't blame the state and government for being concerned.

My cons are biased? How untrue. If they were you would have suggested some of your own.

 

[OutHouse]

Originally posted by: zixxer
I personally competely disagree with ANY law that is designed to protect a single individual.. i.e. seatbelt laws - that protect me only. Same for helmet laws, etc.


I think you're RETARDED to not wear a seatbelt or a helmet. However, WTF does it hurt? Insurance companies should only offer policies to people who use these safety devices... bleh


the gene pool is too crowded. Why do us americans try to make it worse? I don't understand.. help people who are mentally ill adapt so they can work - have families, etc...

my mom brought up a good point when we had a discussion on this topic. she said, "if you are killed because you arent wearing your seatbelt who is going to take care of your kids?"

that being said, i always wear my seatbelt. and if i rode a motorcycle i would wear a full face helment. all i have to do is look at my windshield and see all the bullsyes rock hits and that is enough to change anybodys mind. Colorado has a sh*t load of rocks on the road and everybody gets cracked windshields. it would be a very bad day to be trucking along at 70mph on a hog and get popped in the eye or mouth with a rock the size of a small grape.

 

[BoberFett]

Originally posted by: thereaderrabbit
PS. I'd be against helmet laws if bikers were given a choice of (1) always wearing a helmet or (2) signing up to be an organ donor (where the burden of proving you're 'not quite dead yet' was put solely on a biker).

What does organ donation have to do with wearing a helmet? I see so many people mention helmets and organ donation in the same sentence, yet it makes absolutely no sense.

Maybe I think you should be an organ donor. Right now. Let the doctors get busy removing organs. Why? I don't know, no reason. But I'm sure somebody out there could put your parts to better use than you are, you pathetic waste of space.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: thereaderrabbit
After reading a good bit of the thread, here are my findings thus far.

Seatbelt and helmet laws:

Pros:
* saves lives
* lessens injury
* saves money
* helps prevent accidents
* helps prevent injury and death which can keep roads closed longer after accidents


Cons:
* prevents the 'wind in your hair' feeling for people with motor bikes
* provides bitches with something to bitch about

PS. I'd be against helmet laws if bikers were given a choice of (1) always wearing a helmet or (2) signing up to be an organ donor (where the burden of proving you're 'not quite dead yet' was put solely on a biker).

The government has no business protecting people from themselves. How does not wearing a seatbelt help prevent an accident? If anything, it's the other way around...because if I wasn't wearing my seatbelt, I'd be driving much more cautiously. And as far as keeping roads closed longer...cops will be pulling people over more often (often times where there is no shoulder) to write seat belt tickets, which completely nullifies your argument about lanes being closed longer.

Your cons are biased.

Nobody goes out driving thinking they are going to get into an accident. That's why they're called accidents. You could be the most cautious driver in the world and still get into an accident.

As for the second part of your arguement, how do you come to that conclusion? Obviously, you just pulled it out of your a$$ because there is no way you could possibly know that for a fact.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I really don't understand why a bunch of people who generally wear their seatbelts and/or helmets on a motorcycle are arguing against these laws. I can somewhat see, just ever so slightly, the slippery slope argument but it is so slight as to be almost nonexistent.

I just don't see the connection...So, let me get this straight, if we don't repeal the seatbelt and helmet laws immediately, then 50 years from now we won't be able to eat red meat, skydive, wash the windows in tall buildings, go rock climbing, drink alcohol...and so on and so forth?

 

[zixxer]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I really don't understand why a bunch of people who generally wear their seatbelts and/or helmets on a motorcycle are arguing against these laws. I can somewhat see, just ever so slightly, the slippery slope argument but it is so slight as to be almost nonexistent.

I just don't see the connection...So, let me get this straight, if we don't repeal the seatbelt and helmet laws immediately, then 50 years from now we won't be able to eat red meat, skydive, wash the windows in tall buildings, go rock climbing, drink alcohol...and so on and so forth?

Yes, exactly.


Another similar issue is banning smoking in PRIVATE restuarants. It is absolutely NOT the governments business to protect me from myself. I think smoking is absolutely DISGUSTING. I HATE the smell, the way it makes my clothes hair smell, etc etc.

I still do not think it should be banned in private establishments. It honestly is just 'breaking the ice' for further issues -

 

[CrazyDe1]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I really don't understand why a bunch of people who generally wear their seatbelts and/or helmets on a motorcycle are arguing against these laws. I can somewhat see, just ever so slightly, the slippery slope argument but it is so slight as to be almost nonexistent.

I just don't see the connection...So, let me get this straight, if we don't repeal the seatbelt and helmet laws immediately, then 50 years from now we won't be able to eat red meat, skydive, wash the windows in tall buildings, go rock climbing, drink alcohol...and so on and so forth?

Because it's the concept of telling someone what to do and how they should live their life instead of a live and let live philosophy.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

i wear a seatbelt, you should too

making it a law is ludicrous to me

 

[thereaderrabbit]

Originally posted by: BoberFett

Originally posted by: thereaderrabbit
PS. I'd be against helmet laws if bikers were given a choice of (1) always wearing a helmet or (2) signing up to be an organ donor (where the burden of proving you're 'not quite dead yet' was put solely on a biker).

What does organ donation have to do with wearing a helmet? I see so many people mention helmets and organ donation in the same sentence, yet it makes absolutely no sense.

Maybe I think you should be an organ donor. Right now. Let the doctors get busy removing organs. Why? I don't know, no reason. But I'm sure somebody out there could put your parts to better use than you are, you pathetic waste of space.

Lol, you make me laugh

 

[eits]

i think seatbelt and helmet laws are justified and should be implemented.

it's not just to help save citizen lives, which government has an obligation to uphold, but to protect the other person involved in a crash. for example, if some douchenozzle doing bike tricks runs into my car and dies, i don't want to have to constantly think about a dude dying on my car or that i somehow contributed to someone's death. on the same token, i wouldn't want to hit and kill a motorcyclist or car driver/passenger who otherwise would have lived had they worn a helmet or seatbelt.

the laws should be in place to protect BOTH parties... not just the person who's immediately affected.

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: thereaderrabbit

Cops pulling people over rarely slows down traffic.

What planet do you live on? I see it all the time. There's a traffic jam and when you get to the front of it, it's just people looking at the cop with the flashing lights.

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: eits
i think seatbelt and helmet laws are justified and should be implemented.

it's not just to help save citizen lives, which government has an obligation to uphold, but to protect the other person involved in a crash. for example, if some douchenozzle doing bike tricks runs into my car and dies, i don't want to have to constantly think about a dude dying on my car or that i somehow contributed to someone's death. on the same token, i wouldn't want to hit and kill a motorcyclist or car driver/passenger who otherwise would have lived had they worn a helmet or seatbelt.

the laws should be in place to protect BOTH parties... not just the person who's immediately affected.

Where would you consider yourself to be on the political spectrum? Socialist? Far left liberal?

 

[Number1]

Not having seat belt and helmet laws is ludicrous.

91TTZ, do you have something irritating stuck up your behind that is bothering you? You seam really cranky with people who disagree with you.

 

[eits]

Originally posted by: 91TTZ

Originally posted by: eits
i think seatbelt and helmet laws are justified and should be implemented.

it's not just to help save citizen lives, which government has an obligation to uphold, but to protect the other person involved in a crash. for example, if some douchenozzle doing bike tricks runs into my car and dies, i don't want to have to constantly think about a dude dying on my car or that i somehow contributed to someone's death. on the same token, i wouldn't want to hit and kill a motorcyclist or car driver/passenger who otherwise would have lived had they worn a helmet or seatbelt.

the laws should be in place to protect BOTH parties... not just the person who's immediately affected.

Where would you consider yourself to be on the political spectrum? Socialist? Far left liberal?

left of center.

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: eits

Originally posted by: 91TTZ

Originally posted by: eits
i think seatbelt and helmet laws are justified and should be implemented.

it's not just to help save citizen lives, which government has an obligation to uphold, but to protect the other person involved in a crash. for example, if some douchenozzle doing bike tricks runs into my car and dies, i don't want to have to constantly think about a dude dying on my car or that i somehow contributed to someone's death. on the same token, i wouldn't want to hit and kill a motorcyclist or car driver/passenger who otherwise would have lived had they worn a helmet or seatbelt.

the laws should be in place to protect BOTH parties... not just the person who's immediately affected.

Where would you consider yourself to be on the political spectrum? Socialist? Far left liberal?

left of center.

Let me know how many I get right here:

Left of center, owns/wants to own a BMW or VW, owns a Mac, owns cats, very vocal, believes in 9/11 conspiracies.

How did I do?

 

[KrillBee]

what next? curfews? because they reduce the chance of you getting mugged? and that lowers health care costs?

 

[Number1]

Originally posted by: KrillBee
what next? curfews? because they reduce the chance of you getting mugged? and that lowers health care costs?

I never thought of that. Anything else I should loose sleep over?

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I really don't understand why a bunch of people who generally wear their seatbelts and/or helmets on a motorcycle are arguing against these laws. I can somewhat see, just ever so slightly, the slippery slope argument but it is so slight as to be almost nonexistent.

I just don't see the connection...So, let me get this straight, if we don't repeal the seatbelt and helmet laws immediately, then 50 years from now we won't be able to eat red meat, skydive, wash the windows in tall buildings, go rock climbing, drink alcohol...and so on and so forth?

Someone said that? (referring to the last paragraph).

But I wouldn't be surprised if "similar" laws were in place at some point in the near future (100 years).

Adults should be allowed to make their own decisions when it concerns themselves. I still don't see how some of these people can make the argument that the seatbelt law protects the other drivers.

or example, if some douchenozzle doing bike tricks runs into my car and dies, i don't want to have to constantly think about a dude dying on my car or that i somehow contributed to someone's death.

If you were in an accident..and it wasn't your fault, but the person died because he/she wasn't wearing a seatbelt/helmet then why would it bother you so much?

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

Generally, and in principle, I agree with the sentiment expressed by the OP. I don't think it is really the government's business to require an individual to a wear a seatbelt, just like it isn't the government's business to require un-wed couples to use a condom when having sex.

That having been said, however, I think there are more pressing legal issues that need confronting if one decides he wants to get a stick up his butt about personal liberties.

 

[eminemrh25]

The goverment doesn't want all their citizens to die, then they get no tax $$ from themm..

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: CrazyDe1

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I really don't understand why a bunch of people who generally wear their seatbelts and/or helmets on a motorcycle are arguing against these laws. I can somewhat see, just ever so slightly, the slippery slope argument but it is so slight as to be almost nonexistent.

I just don't see the connection...So, let me get this straight, if we don't repeal the seatbelt and helmet laws immediately, then 50 years from now we won't be able to eat red meat, skydive, wash the windows in tall buildings, go rock climbing, drink alcohol...and so on and so forth?

Because it's the concept of telling someone what to do and how they should live their life instead of a live and let live philosophy.

Well, you should probably be more concerned with religious groups than this because they are pretty much the biggest busy bodies around. I'd much rather be told to wear a seatbelt than be told that I should worship some imaginary celestial butler in the sky.

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Well, you should probably be more concerned with religious groups than this because they are pretty much the biggest busy bodies around. I'd much rather be told to wear a seatbelt than be told that I should worship some imaginary celestial butler in the sky.

That's another sickening issue. Being able to worship the god of their choice apparently isn't enough. You have to worship, too.

 

[CrazyDe1]

Originally posted by: thereaderrabbit

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: thereaderrabbit
After reading a good bit of the thread, here are my findings thus far.

Seatbelt and helmet laws:

Pros:
* saves lives
* lessens injury
* saves money
* helps prevent accidents
* helps prevent injury and death which can keep roads closed longer after accidents


Cons:
* prevents the 'wind in your hair' feeling for people with motor bikes
* provides bitches with something to bitch about

PS. I'd be against helmet laws if bikers were given a choice of (1) always wearing a helmet or (2) signing up to be an organ donor (where the burden of proving you're 'not quite dead yet' was put solely on a biker).

The government has no business protecting people from themselves. How does not wearing a seatbelt help prevent an accident? If anything, it's the other way around...because if I wasn't wearing my seatbelt, I'd be driving much more cautiously. And as far as keeping roads closed longer...cops will be pulling people over more often (often times where there is no shoulder) to write seat belt tickets, which completely nullifies your argument about lanes being closed longer.

Your cons are biased.

Do you really think that non-seatbelt drivers are more cautious? After a week or two, perhaps a few minutes on the road this caution would quickly fade. As a whole I think they are less cautious. If they were cautious they would probably wear the seatbelt. Case in point- I work in a laboratory, if someone does not wear the proper safety equipment when working with hazards they are making themselves less safe.

Seatbelts help keep people from getting injured in crashes. When the injuries are prevented or less severe, getting the scene cleaned up is quicker. My experience here is that as a kid I only got injured in one auto accident (no seat belt on) and as a teenager I did bike racing and have been in numerous wrecks, but suffered a concussion once (one of the only times I wasn't wearing a helmet).

Cops pulling people over rarely slows down traffic.

Seriously, I agree about not liking government in my life, but sometimes it's best for society at large. Right now the chemical plant I work at is the number two hydrogen user in the USA behind NASA. I can't blame the state and government for being concerned.

My cons are biased? How untrue. If they were you would have suggested some of your own.

What? Have you seen what happens to traffic when someone is pulled over? It's pretty similar to an accident...

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: 91TTZ

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Well, you should probably be more concerned with religious groups than this because they are pretty much the biggest busy bodies around. I'd much rather be told to wear a seatbelt than be told that I should worship some imaginary celestial butler in the sky.

That's another sickening issue. Being able to worship the god of their choice apparently isn't enough. You have to worship, too.

So, we aren't that far apart in our beliefs after all!