I have an annoying rule in my car; I do not move the car until everyone is wearing a seat-belt. I mean adults as well as kids. Many times, adults have complained about my rule. They state that they are more comfortable without seat-belts, that they never wear them, that they’ll pay for a ticket, that they’ll be fine, and that they are adults and it is up to them if they want to take the risk.
Well, not quite. Firstly, I don’t want anyone to die in my car, adult or not. If that ever happened, I would never be able to drive again. I am not sure I would be able to live with myself. So someone risking thier life by not wearing a seat-belt in my car is also putting my mental health, and my livelihood (as I cannot do my job without driving) at risk. Secondly, when someone is not wearing a seat-belt it is not only themselves they are putting at risk, but everyone in the car. If they become dislodged from the seat (and in an accident, they will if they are not restrained), they can become projectile; banging around the car injuring or even killing those of us that are in seat-belts, and possibly hitting the driver who could lose control of the car even more as a result.
Here is a video that perfectly displays this concern. Buckle up!
Chrissy said,
April 27, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
Great post and good for you for having that rule! I also have that rule. I will not start my car if all the passengers are not wearing their seat belts. Surprisingly, the most difficult person I have to deal with is MY MOM!!! She HATES wearing seat belts and thinks they’re uncomfortable! URGH!
My husband used to tell our nieces that the vehicle would not start if everyone’s belts weren’t buckled. They believed him and knew that if they wanted to go somewhere then they had to put on their belts so the car would start! They’re older now and know this isn’t true, but they still buckle their belts. They are smart girls and always fasten up!
Great post!!
Dina said,
April 27, 2008 @ 8:52 pm
that is a good rule…i’m just surprised that people have argued about wearing seatbelts. The only person I ever knew who wouldn’t/couldn’t wear one was my uncle-he had neck injury and claimed he had a doctors certificate excusing him of wearing one…putting a seatbelt is second nature to me i assumed everyone automatically wore one too!
Dina said,
April 27, 2008 @ 8:56 pm
just watched the video…g-d it absolutely made me sick to my stomach…
Leslie said,
April 29, 2008 @ 1:34 am
Yikes! I was shopping with a friend recently and noticed she didn’t put hers on. I thought everyone my age wore them – that video is scary though!