Seatbelts aren’t decorations

My ears tend to perk up when I hear anything to do with driving. Whether it’s on the TV news, people having a conversation or in print, I listen carefully to what people are saying. Sometimes I use these methods to update my knowledge of driving techniques and changes to driving laws. Sometimes, I hear things that make me laugh; kind of a pitiful laugh actually.

Locally, our police department has beefed up seatbelt awareness for all drivers and passengers. One driver that was interviewed on our local news station said “It’s an invasion of my privacy.” if he was made to wear his seatbelt. Really? What a lame excuse that was. He should have said that he was too lazy or juvenile to put it on. That would have been more honest of him.

When something in motion stops immediately, anything not restrained will continue to move in a forward motion. That would include occupants of the vehicle. It’s the driver’s responsibility to ensure their passengers are safe from start to end of the trip. They also have the responsibility to ensure they’re safe. What would their family do if they were thrown from the vehicle and injured or killed? What would their family do without them able to work and support their family; financially and emotionally? It’s a pretty selfish opinion if a driver says they won’t wear their seatbelt because it’s an invasion of their privacy.

Statistics also say that seatbelts aren’t used as much in rural areas compared to urban areas. Is this because there isn’t as much traffic? Is it because those drivers are lazy? Regardless of their reasons, it only takes a sudden stop or a swerve to make the driver lose seating position; which means loss of steering control.

A properly worn seatbelt keeps the occupant upright. It allows you to stay in control of your vehicle. If you’re thrown across your seat because you swerved to your left, good luck. Here are a few reasons to wear a seatbelt if you won’t accept the fact it can save your life. Wear it so you can avoid paying a fine. Wear one so it’s easier for rescuers to locate your body during a recue or even wear one so your kids have a proper role model.

Whatever your reason, think about your future. Stop belonging to the “It won’t happen to me” club and take responsibility of your life, your family and your vehicle.