Seat Belt Enforcement time !

[AB8RU]

Ok people State of Michigan as well every 50 states and Canada , and other lucky countries Its Click it or Ticket time.

Thats right From May 19,2008 until June 1st is Operation C.A.R.E. time :eek:

Also when in Michigan You can buy your fireworks but the squirrelly law says you cannot set them off that makes a Bang !

Go figgure blame Lansing for these laws.

also those who has a RADAR detector in their car , what a waste !

State Police has outsmarted you there also. and its not VASCAR ! :cool:

and additional resources unnamed !

;)


Stay Safe this Holiday weekend and drink al the coffee you can also reminder dial 911 on Road Rage and Drunk Driving.

73

[ai4ep]

same thing going on here in Alabama...based on the tv advertisements.

great idea, should be mandatory all of the time.

[ve2nsm]

Ok people State of Michigan as well every 50 states and Canada , and other lucky countries Its Click it or Ticket time.

I don't understand why there is still people that don't automatically buckle up as soon as they sit their butt in a car. :eek:

That's beyond me :confused:

[KC7UP]

It's mandatory here in Montana.
Curt

[KE5TND]

Wearing a seatbelt is a great idea but I don't like the government telling me that I have to wear one. Joe Biker can cruise town on his Harley all day long with no helmet on but the minute I'm not wearing a seatbelt I get a $200 fine while he cruises by and waves. Someone seems off about that deal.

[N9MOQ]

. .

[KC9IUX]

Seat belt laws suck.

It's my business if I want to take additional risk. My head, my windshield, my choice.

I wear one because I wore one before there were any laws telling me to do so.

I also attempt to eat right and avoid sickness, but should there by laws governing these things? If you buy the BS used to justify seat belt laws, then it applies to all risk.

[KC9IUX]

Also when in Michigan You can buy your fireworks but the squirrelly law says you cannot set them off that makes a Bang !

We have you covered here in IN.

Lots of stands on our side of the state line.

[kb3laz]

Well If I wanna die why should they stop me.
I dont nor will I wear my seatbelt just because Im told to.
Besides seatbelts have caused deaths as well.
Oh well guess I will just be paying for the cops to drive around in cars with leather seats.

[N0WVA]

Like they really care anyway. Its just a stupid law to get revenue.

And I wish the highway patrol would stop playing 100 questions when they pull you over. Its real simple, either write the ticket or stop wasting my time.

Do you know why I pulled you over? Where are you headed to?

My favorite is "do you have any warrants?" What the heck? Hes going to run your info anyway, so just stop the stupid crap already.

[k8wpj]

Ok people State of Michigan as well every 50 states and Canada , and other lucky countries Its Click it or Ticket time.

Thats right From May 19,2008 until June 1st is Operation C.A.R.E. time :eek:

Also when in Michigan You can buy your fireworks but the squirrelly law says you cannot set them off that makes a Bang !

Go figgure blame Lansing for these laws.

also those who has a RADAR detector in their car , what a waste !

State Police has outsmarted you there also. and its not VASCAR ! :cool:

and additional resources unnamed !

;)


Stay Safe this Holiday weekend and drink al the coffee you can also reminder dial 911 on Road Rage and Drunk Driving.

73

just another one of the ways legalized extortion takes place on the nations highways.... SC does the same thing, as does Ohio... Same priciple as a small town speed trap, just on a statewide scale...

[k8wpj]

Not only that, but some cars were not manufactured with seat belts, and if you drive one of those you are exempt, so how ridiculous to fine someone for not wearing one just because the car was manufactured with one. Ridiculous. Humans are the most illogical species on the planet.


Forgetting about the laws of physics, ( that which is in motion tends to stay in motion etc. ) for a second, those cars are exempt, because at the time, the government had not yet figgered out how much money they were losing by not demanding seat belt use...

[VE1IDX]

Wearing a seatbelt is a great idea but I don't like the government telling me that I have to wear one. Joe Biker can cruise town on his Harley all day long with no helmet on but the minute I'm not wearing a seatbelt I get a $200 fine while he cruises by and waves. Someone seems off about that deal.


Would you want your ass strapped to a bike and dump it on the road at 50 or 60 MPh? :eek: I'll take my chances bouncing along the road on my own away from the bike. :D

[VK3ZL]

Guess those of you objecting to the enforcement of wearing seat belts or wearing motor cycle helmets probably feel it is your right to DUI and speed whenever you feel like it as well..Shows a lot of respect for most other road users.

You should spend time with paramedics and cops picking up all the limbs and raw guts after somebody is thrown from a car..You may have second thoughts..Try picking up your Sunday School teachers head off the road and putting it into an ambulance..Aint a nice experience..

Mandatory wearing of seat belts and motor cycle helmets has been law in Australia for many years.It is second nature to click on the belt when you hop into the car..Very few people here are fined for that offence..

Before you start crowing about "your" individual freedoms which are mostly a mirage anyhow,you might show some responsibility..:mad:

[m0dcd]

We've had to "clunk click" in the front since 1983 and in the back too from 1991, and it's been the same in Europe for quite a while too.
For bikers, helmets have been compulsory since the 70's.

When the law was introduced, most drivers and front seat passengers were belting up anyway. "Clunk the car door, click the seat belt" was the public information film complete with Jimmy Savile.

[kf6rdn]

Would you want your ass strapped to a bike and dump it on the road at 50 or 60 MPh? :eek: I'll take my chances bouncing along the road on my own away from the bike. :D

I think he was talking about not wearing a helmet on a bike, not a seatbelt! :D

In California both are the law (seatbelts in cars, helmets on bikes)

I'm a firm believer in safety gear, 'specially for bikes. Even though it's a non issue for me, I dont like the laws telling me I have to..

'Specially considering you do something like tune your bike, you're putt-ing it along to test on a small side street, not out of first under 20mph and a cop wanders into the neighborhood and tickets you.

[ac4ut]

I promised my wife I would always wear mine and I figure I should keep one or two promises I made to her.:D

[KE5TND]

Guess those of you objecting to the enforcement of wearing seat belts or wearing motor cycle helmets probably feel it is your right to DUI and speed whenever you feel like it as well..Shows a lot of respect for most other road users.

If I commit a DUI or speed then I put other people in danger. If I don't wear a seat belt then I only put myself in danger, much different.

[K3XR]

In Pa. you don't need a helmet to ride your Harley, but you need a seat belt to drive your car, guess your brains being spattered on the highway is no big deal.

[VK3ZL]

If I commit a DUI or speed then I put other people in danger. If I don't wear a seat belt then I only put myself in danger, much different.

Not much different at all..I certainly wouldn't want to have to be the poor sod who has to clean up your bloody pulped body and drop your guts into the slop bucket..Been there,done that too many times.It aint nice..

It boils down to common sense and consideration for others.. :( :(

[K3XR]

Not much different at all..I certainly wouldn't want to have to be the poor sod who has to clean up your bloody pulped body and drop your guts into the slop bucket..Been there,done that too many times.It aint nice..

It boils down to common sense and consideration for others.. :( :(

Yes, and you could also make the argument that your body being busted up, or assuming room temperature, cost others more by way of higher insurance rates.

[KB1PNZ]

It is funny the federal government running ads saying click it or ticket in NH. If you are over 18 years of age you do not have to wear a seat belt. Helmet is optional also.

This is as it should be you have a right to be stupid but the government should be meddling in your personal affairs. If you crash and are injured it is your responsibility to get fixed up. We have lost personal responsibility in the USA.

[N9MOQ]

. .

[KC6ZLV]

Guess those of you objecting to the enforcement of wearing seat belts or wearing motor cycle helmets probably feel it is your right to DUI and speed whenever you feel like it as well..Shows a lot of respect for most other road users.

You should spend time with paramedics and cops picking up all the limbs and raw guts after somebody is thrown from a car..You may have second thoughts..Try picking up your Sunday School teachers head off the road and putting it into an ambulance..Aint a nice experience..

Mandatory wearing of seat belts and motor cycle helmets has been law in Australia for many years.It is second nature to click on the belt when you hop into the car..Very few people here are fined for that offence..

Before you start crowing about "your" individual freedoms which are mostly a mirage anyhow,you might show some responsibility..:mad:

You need to step back and understand why people complain about this. It isn't the issue of wearing, or not wearing a seatbelt that people have a problem with. It is the matter of law enforcement's priorities being turned around. They constantly moan and groan about lack of manpower and resources needed to tackle larger problems, then focus on issues like people not wearing seatbelts and HOV lanes, often times dedicating officers to matters that really don't matter.

And in the matter of individual freedoms, we are talking about the US here, not Australia. There is quite a bit of difference when it comes to freedoms here, and over there.

[k8wpj]

And I wish the highway patrol would stop playing 100 questions when they pull you over. Its real simple, either write the ticket or stop wasting my time.

Do you know why I pulled you over? Where are you headed to?

My favorite is "do you have any warrants?" What the heck? Hes going to run your info anyway, so just stop the stupid crap already.


That's a game cops are trained to play on the people they meet. It's called, "What Else Have You Done?" and it's nothing more than salesmanship in reverse...

You see in any other transaction, People want to give you something, so they can take your money... In the case of a traffic stop, they are merely trying to use your actions as justification to get you to give them more money..

Want a TV? Buy one for 250 bucks... Want one in HD? that's $400...

Got stopped for speeding, OOOPS! that's $150, Not wearing your seat belt when I stop you? OOPS! that's $200...

[N2RJ]

Wearing a seatbelt is a great idea but I don't like the government telling me that I have to wear one.

I would be fine with that if you waive your right to insurance coverage for medical expenses if you are in an accident.

Also, you have to pay for your medical expenses in cash, up front.

That is a fair compromise.

You get to not wear your belt, and I get to not worry about my insurance paying enormous amounts of money to save your life if you do get in an auto accident.

[N2RJ]

They constantly moan and groan about lack of manpower and resources needed to tackle larger problems, then focus on issues like people not wearing seatbelts and HOV lanes, often times dedicating officers to matters that really don't matter.


HOV lanes will only work if there is heavy enforcement.

This has been proven time and time again.

[vk4agk]

Ha they got u to ya suckers . FreeDom :cool:.....

That mandantary seat belt thing has been out here for awhile and yes it's a scam , munny munny munny , saaaaaave lives , i also agree its up to the individual on whether one should don a seat belt or a motorcycle helmet , depending on conditions/ traffic /roads all that type of stuff but its the one fits all , like those drivers that think they watching the tv when looking out of the windscreen , i have seen where seatbelts/helmets have killed people too but they remove those 'bits' of information .

Just recently a double semi flattened a car , 4 people in the car , one made it out all the rest ded , although still very busted up and lucky? to be alive , the only reason he lived was he was the only one NOT wearing the seatbelt and on the tv report He will be charged with breaking the law , they really emphasized the breaking the law thing too , busted up bad , alive and if he ever makes it out of a hospital , a nice fine to prove he broke the law , punished for being alive! , after all his mates ded.....

And 3ZL , please type for yourself when 'all people click up' , quite a few fines meself :) , and i still learn when to throw it off when it seems safe too , also speeding :D and when you whinge about the poor plods/ambo's and all those that scrape up the leftovers i recall this , "They Get Paid Too" , get another job if you do not like it , scam scam scam....

[KC6ZLV]

HOV lanes will only work if there is heavy enforcement.

This has been proven time and time again.

What do you mean by "work?"

Enforcement deters single-occupant vehicles from using the HOV lane. What we have over here are HOV lanes with very few vehicles and three adjacent lanes of traffic that aren't moving. Enforcement doesn't convince people they should use the HOV lanes.

Furthermore, an area's regional layout has a strong effect on the success of HOV lanes. Over here they aren't used much at all due to the way the Metro area's business districts are layed out, making it difficult to carpool because so many people are going in different directions, working different times, or work in some rather inconvenient locations.

[wb5ydk]

Here in Mexico, the traffic laws also require the use of seat belts. The traffic cops set up all the time, on the road in front of my neighborhood, to write tickets for drivers who are not buckled-up.

But, just when you think everyone on the road is safe and secure, a pick-up will pass by with three generations of family sitting on plastic Corona beer chairs in the truckbed. :eek:

[KD6NIG]

They had all the overhead signs lit up yesterday with "Click it or Ticket".

Me personally? I was raised that when I was in the car, the seatbelt was on. End of story. I can't drive anything without one now, it feels odd to me to not be belted in.

I wouldn't drive any other way. Not because I question my driving ability (many have commented that I drive like an old man) but just because I may be obeying the laws, doing the limit, signaling for lane changes and turns, and not using my cellphone, doesn't mean the SUV coming up next to me right now with the 6 unbelted kids in it and soccer mom on the phone thats about to change lanes right on top of me without a signal isn't going to cause me to maybe need it.

But nowadays with cars coming with airbags, I would suggest wearing one also. I don't know what an airbag would do if you didn't have a belt on. I imagine it wouldn't be too comforting.

In every "near miss" I've been in on the road (I love that term by the way) its usually been the other driver on a phone, reading a newspaper, shaving (!), or doing something like that.

I had a woman behind me this morning on the freeway doing the "slanted mirror" trick to put her makeup on. Traffic started slowing and I stepped on the brake a few times to get her attention before slowing. Luckily she saw me.

I still think "distracted driving" is the biggest cause of wrecks. I won't talk mobile much anymore, and I simply don't in some areas (the 205/5 junction here in Tracy being one major place I don't do anything but pay attention!).

I'll wear my belt because I think its important to not cause my noggin to hit the window if some moron cuts me off or whatever.

There is a part of me that wants to let the Darwin flow when it comes to driving also, and just let people on motorcycles not wear a helmet if they choose, or not wear a belt when driving a car. But, with liability nowadays, its probably not the best choice to make.

I just view it as another additional thing you need to do to enjoy the privledge of driving. Which, by the way, I think is part of the reason why people drive the way they do-they think its a right, not a priveledge, and thats why they drive like such idiots. I was taught it was something that, if I messed up or was stupid, could be taken from me at any time, including personal items being taken from me for my actions if I did something. Because of that, I never saw a need to drive like an idiot. But, I know many others don't agree. I just stay out of the fast lane and let them barrel on by.

I don't take the chance, but I can see the reasoning behind others wanting to. I think it would negatively impact the rest of us though too much via higher insurance rates and stuff like that, so I tend to lean towards the belted side.

But me personally, the way I see people drive around here, I wouldn't ride a bike on a freeway around here for no sum of money. I've seen guys clad in Caltrans reflective green get taken out. No thanks.

[WA6MHZ]

Here in California, Bikers HAVE to wear a helmet, so the outlaw bikers wear these little mini helmets which just barely cover the top of their skull. I used to wear a helmet that covered all of my head down to may shoulders. Very hot and uncomfortable, but I felt pretty safe.

Soon, the Govt will be requiring everyone to drive in HUMVEES because regular cars and trucks are deemed not safe enough!

[k9xr]

Wearing a seatbelt is a great idea but I don't like the government telling me that I have to wear one. Joe Biker can cruise town on his Harley all day long with no helmet on but the minute I'm not wearing a seatbelt I get a $200 fine while he cruises by and waves. Someone seems off about that deal.

Absolutely right!!

[k9xr]

Oh, and one more thing. If they're so concerned about safety, why don't they worry about 60 or 70 little kids on a school bus driven in many cases by an idiot. They don't need seat belts.

[VK3ZL]

Ha they got u to ya suckers . FreeDom :cool:.....

That mandantary seat belt thing has been out here for awhile and yes it's a scam , munny munny munny , saaaaaave lives , i also agree its up to the individual on whether one should don a seat belt or a motorcycle helmet , depending on conditions/ traffic /roads all that type of stuff but its the one fits all , like those drivers that think they watching the tv when looking out of the windscreen , i have seen where seatbelts/helmets have killed people too but they remove those 'bits' of information .

Just recently a double semi flattened a car , 4 people in the car , one made it out all the rest ded , although still very busted up and lucky? to be alive , the only reason he lived was he was the only one NOT wearing the seatbelt and on the tv report He will be charged with breaking the law , they really emphasized the breaking the law thing too , busted up bad , alive and if he ever makes it out of a hospital , a nice fine to prove he broke the law , punished for being alive! , after all his mates ded.....

And 3ZL , please type for yourself when 'all people click up' , quite a few fines meself :) , and i still learn when to throw it off when it seems safe too , also speeding :D and when you whinge about the poor plods/ambo's and all those that scrape up the leftovers i recall this , "They Get Paid Too" , get another job if you do not like it , scam scam scam....

Yeah..Lived in VK4 for a time..Sun gets to the brain doesn't it..:)

[KI4CIA]

Wearing a seatbelt is a great idea but I don't like the government telling me that I have to wear one.


I know someone who wore a seatbelt religiously ... up until they passed the law ... then no seatbelt. He's since been convinced to wear a seatbelt and does so now.

I'm like KD6NIG though ... I've worn one since I started driving and can't drive without it. Though having the government pass a law like this did leave a sour taste in my mouth.



And the cops time would be better spent if they concentrated on those who ran red lights, stop signs, drove over the speed limit, and passed in no passing zones (father and son were killed recently because they were hit head on by someone passing in a no passing zone - they were in a curve).

Saw that way too often while working in Tuscaloosa. It is so bad here ... if someone is pulled over, you have to wonder "WHAT on earth did they do? Rob a bank?"

[AB8RU]

Wearing a seatbelt is a great idea but I don't like the government telling me that I have to wear one. Joe Biker can cruise town on his Harley all day long with no helmet on but the minute I'm not wearing a seatbelt I get a $200 fine while he cruises by and waves. Someone seems off about that deal.

well I had an accident when I first driven had a lap belt on the other one no belt kissed the steering wheel and away he went to the hsopital and maybe a failure to obey a stop sign.

Next I had a Supervisor had the same belief no seatbelt got into an accident busted up pertty bad and top it off had a heart attack, I went to his funeral.

If you decide still not to wear a seatbelt if you get stopped in Michigan its a $65.00 fine

[AB8RU]

I know someone who wore a seatbelt religiously ... up until they passed the law ... then no seatbelt. He's since been convinced to wear a seatbelt and does so now.

I'm like KD6NIG though ... I've worn one since I started driving and can't drive without it. Though having the government pass a law like this did leave a sour taste in my mouth.



And the cops time would be better spent if they concentrated on those who ran red lights, stop signs, drove over the speed limit, and passed in no passing zones (father and son were killed recently because they were hit head on by someone passing in a no passing zone - they were in a curve).

Saw that way too often while working in Tuscaloosa. It is so bad here ... if someone is pulled over, you have to wonder "WHAT on earth did they do? Rob a bank?"



read my responses and lets put it this way life is too short and there is no second chance after you are gone or even yet become paralyized, a fellow ham used to work in the medical feild, he had more people in that ward did not wear a seatbelt. matter of fact go visit your local Hospital and talk to EMS and Your local fire department they can give you every detail of how accidents are, in fact there are hams on this group are fire fighters and they will privately email you about the break downs.

also I can tell you about a 35 year old paralized person confined to a wheel chair his voice is not normal he was in an accident and I know well he did not wear a belt, his girlfriend died as the driver.

[AB8RU]

Oh, and one more thing. If they're so concerned about safety, why don't they worry about 60 or 70 little kids on a school bus driven in many cases by an idiot. They don't need seat belts.

Depends on your state laws if you want to get involved in the community sugguest better saftey laws I made a difference in hiring and set up a school crossing guard program by just commenting in a community newspaper , same for seat belts in buses contqct your local politician.

[AB8RU]

Here in Mexico, the traffic laws also require the use of seat belts. The traffic cops set up all the time, on the road in front of my neighborhood, to write tickets for drivers who are not buckled-up.

But, just when you think everyone on the road is safe and secure, a pick-up will pass by with three generations of family sitting on plastic Corona beer chairs in the truckbed. :eek:

also in Michigan some of you may see them the seats in the back of a pick up well they said the truck in a roll over will throw passengers in the back out , well I believe noone riding in the back anymore.

each state and country has their laws different from Michigan, you can buy an item here may not be legal in another country. vica versa.

[AB8RU]

Would you want your ass strapped to a bike and dump it on the road at 50 or 60 MPh? :eek: I'll take my chances bouncing along the road on my own away from the bike. :D

Newaygo County a Bike accident involving a tractor and some one mentioned would you believe seat belts !:)

The Farmer lived what else! no seatbelts probably

[AB8RU]

We have you covered here in IN.

Lots of stands on our side of the state line.

I know I read the bill boards & Sheltons fire was in the news up here also street corners, store parking lots, etc..

Also the neighbors set them off always on Holidays, Walk in Wal-Mart & Sams club they sell the legal ones , also other stores same thing.

[VE1IDX]

I think he was talking about not wearing a helmet on a bike, not a seatbelt! :D



:D See? That is why one should not work a 12 hour night shift and stay up all day until the wee hours of the night and expect to make a sensible post on the internet. ;) When I made that post I had been awake for over 33 hours and had worked a 12 hour night shift.:D

The thing about ones right to decide whether to wear a seatbelt or helmut does not take into consideration health or insurance costs.What happens to the cost of health insurance when you become totally disabled due to brain damage because you were not wearing a helmut?

As for the comment about seatbelts causing deaths,well that may happen but in the vast majority of the times they prevent them. Just last week I helped pull an 86 year old man from a car involved in a high speed rollover.The car was off the road and on it's roof. The driver was hanging upside down by his seatbelt. I had to cut the belt and help him out of the car. He was stunned and in shock but was not injured except for a small cut on his forehead. Had he not been wearing his seatbelt I KNOW he would have suffered far worse injuries.And it all happened because, out of instinct, he swerved to avoid a parade of a momma duck and her ducklings crossing the highway. I myself am lucky to be sitting here typing this after being involved in a high speed rollover several years ago. Almost everything in the car was ejected as the car rolled over and then pitch-poled end over end.My wife and I each had a bump on our heads from where we banged our heads together and I had a badley bruised hand. No belt and it would have been MUCH worse.

[ai4ep]

Hope they do not come up with seat belts for a Snapper riding Lawn Mower ?? !!

[W5HTW]

Back in February my son and I were sitting here watching TV, getting ready to leave the house for the store. There was a 'thump' but we had no idea what it was. Then he noticed something on the road about a half mile south of us. Picking up the binoculars, he zoomed in. "That's an upside down car!" he exclaimed.

We jumped into my car and went down there. Yes, it was an upside down car. No one was in it, or anywhere around it.

We spotted two people walking away, some 100 yards further along the road. We investigated, in case they were drunks leaving the scene of an accident.

They were two teenage girls, about 16. One had a few scrapes on her leg, the other was just shaken up. My son took my car and brought them back to the scene while I called the accident in on the cell phone.

What's this about? They were traveling at about 40 mph on a rough dirt road. The car bounced off the road, totally clipped off a wooden utility pole, bounced back into the road, upside down. The two girls decided to walk to their home, a half mile east.

Thanks to seat belts, they were able to do so. The impact of the car against the wooden pole totally snapped off the pole, but it wasn't gentle on the car, either. The car was totalled. It was an older car, with no air bags.

Neither girl had any serious injury. There was no alcohol involved, just a washboard road. They were driving too fast for road conditions.

These two girls will tell anyone in their circle of friends: "Wear your seatbelt!" Without it, they would not have been able to climb out of the car and walk away, virtually without injury, just a few scrapes on the leg. Treated on scene by the EMTs and released. The other girl, age 15, was totally without injury, just scared badly. Without the seatbelts, this could have been a double fatal.

Two years earlier, a woman, not wearing a seat belt, broke off a utility pole in almost exactly the same place, possibly the next pole east on the road. Her body was carried away.

[k2bt]

If it wasn't for seatbelts I'd be a ghost. Seriously, Some screwball ran a red light and I couldn't stop in time. Ended up with a broken neck, 3 cervical fusions and 5 years of rehab. I wished I was dead for a while, but today I have a good life and a great family. If I wasn't wearing a seatbelt I would have got a free ride to the morgue. BTW - he didn't have insurance.

[N2RJ]

What do you mean by "work?"

I mean keep the cheaters out. Without enforcement, the HOV lanes will be like any other land.

Enforcement deters single-occupant vehicles from using the HOV lane.

Correctl

What we have over here are HOV lanes with very few vehicles and three adjacent lanes of traffic that aren't moving. Enforcement doesn't convince people they should use the HOV lanes.

Ah, but they DO provide an incentive for people to ride in HOV's (carpools, mass transit) because they'd rather be in the lane that is free from traffic instead of the three lanes that are backed up with single occupant vehicles.

If the HOV lane wasn't there, do you think traffic would be any better? I don't think so. It would be the same, and there wouldn't be any incentive to carpool or take a bus.

Furthermore, an area's regional layout has a strong effect on the success of HOV lanes. Over here they aren't used much at all due to the way the Metro area's business districts are layed out, making it difficult to carpool because so many people are going in different directions, working different times, or work in some rather inconvenient locations.

Funny, around here we make it work. But the HOV lanes are limited to express buses, during rush hour. Taking the bus is so much better than sweating it out in traffic. I get to surf the web or take a nap while someone else does the driving. I pay less than I'd pay in gas and maintenance, and my commute is mostly tax free.

[K1CJS]

You need to step back and understand why people complain about this. It isn't the issue of wearing, or not wearing a seatbelt that people have a problem with. It is the matter of law enforcement's priorities being turned around. They constantly moan and groan about lack of manpower and resources needed to tackle larger problems, then focus on issues like people not wearing seatbelts and HOV lanes, often times dedicating officers to matters that really don't matter........

BINGO. That is the point that really gets me too. Police over here in the states tie up four or five cruisers and about a dozen officers for their 'roadblocks' ---just to get the people who don't have their seatbelts on. It seems to me the money spent for this travesty could be much better spent on catching some of the dope dealers and petty criminals that are running around.

You see things like 'The Governors Highway Safety Council" and other idiotic activists spewing their tripe over things like this. Now if the main reason for those roadblocks was to catch drunken drivers, I'd be all for it, but that is too much to expect--then the cops would have to do some extra duty, like bring the drunken driver to jail and go to court to testify against those people.

But--seatbelt violations are easy, write them a ticket and send them on their way. Then collect that revenue--to pay for those cops to set up that trap. And these cops have to be trained and certified for that??

If this country ever smartened up and got rid of some of these dumb laws that are on the books, I think I'd probably die from the sheer shock of it.

[KE5TJA]

I say that seatbelt laws are a bunch of BS. Don't get me wrong, I think seatbelts are great for saving lives and I wear one every time I take out on the highway in a vehicle that has them. However, I don't think that the government has the right to tell us to wear them or be fined. The decision of whether or not to wear them should be left up to the individual citizens. And I've been out on several bad accidents that seatbelts were not in use, and yes it gets pretty nasty out there. But if those people involved in these crashes chose to not wear a seatbelt, that was their free decision and they paid their price. Here in Oklahoma, seatbelts are mandatory, but if you are over a certain age and in a vehicle with farm tags on it, the law enforcement can do nothing about it. Had a cop follow me home to do some questioning one night over a window being broke at the bank (I showed up 5 minutes after it happened but he still thought he had to question me). When we got to the house, he told me I better wear by belt or next time he would give a ticket. I pointed to the plate and made it known I had farm tags, and it pissed him off cause he couldn't do a damn thing about it. That is why all my vehicles are farm tagged.

Bryce
KE5TJA

[kr2d]

Funny, around here we make it work. But the HOV lanes are limited to express buses, during rush hour.

I guess you weren't here when they implemented HOV lanes on I-80, I-287 and I-78 out in the suburban and rural areas. They did NOT work and they made a lot of people very angry. One lane was completely unused, and the other two or three were at a dead stop. The governer (Whitman, if I recall) actually did something intelligent and removed them. The big problem with transporation policies here in North NJ is they assume eveyone is commuting to NYC, but that is simply not reality.

[N2RJ]

I guess you weren't here when they implemented HOV lanes on I-80, I-287 and I-78 out in the suburban and rural areas. They did NOT work and they made a lot of people very angry. One lane was completely unused, and the other two or three were at a dead stop. The governer (Whitman, if I recall) actually did something intelligent and removed them. The big problem with transporation policies here in North NJ is they assume eveyone is commuting to NYC, but that is simply not reality.

80 East is still backed up royally during rush hour, now moreso than ever. Many of those are commuting to NYC, including people who live in Eastern PA and commute to NYC on a daily basis.

One of my wife's co-workers drives to NYC every day from Eastern PA.

Don't know how you'd solve that, but there are a lot of single occupant vehicles that we could benefit from carpools and vanpools. There are major population centers - Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken etc. that could be served by mass transit.

The problem is that no one likes mass transit because they'd rather have the luxury and privacy of their private automobile. Cheap oil has facilitated this for years. Now that gas is going up, a lot of people are rethinking.

[VE1IDX]

BINGO. That is the point that really gets me too. Police over here in the states tie up four or five cruisers and about a dozen officers for their 'roadblocks' ---just to get the people who don't have their seatbelts on. It seems to me the money spent for this travesty could be much better spent on catching some of the dope dealers and petty criminals that are running around.

You see things like 'The Governors Highway Safety Council" and other idiotic activists spewing their tripe over things like this. Now if the main reason for those roadblocks was to catch drunken drivers, I'd be all for it, but that is too much to expect--then the cops would have to do some extra duty, like bring the drunken driver to jail and go to court to testify against those people.

But--seatbelt violations are easy, write them a ticket and send them on their way. Then collect that revenue--to pay for those cops to set up that trap. And these cops have to be trained and certified for that??

If this country ever smartened up and got rid of some of these dumb laws that are on the books, I think I'd probably die from the sheer shock of it.


Your cops down there must do things differantly than up here. Whenever the police set up a major checkpoint here it is for a variety of things not just seatbelts. They check for seatbelts,registration,safety inspection,AND alcohol consumption all at the same time.It's not a big deal to smell for booze as you ask the driver a few questions or look at his eyes for signs of intoxicants be it alcohol or drugs.

[AE1P]

"Live Free or Die"

enough said....

[KC6ZLV]

[quote] If the HOV lane wasn't there, do you think traffic would be any better? I don't think so. It would be the same, and there wouldn't be any incentive to carpool or take a bus.

On US-50 and I-80 through the Sacramento Metro area, absolutely! I-5 north and south, they could possibly help, but the traffic congestion along I-5 only lasts about 30 minutes here. On CA-99 south to Stockton, the HOV lanes made traffic congestion much worse by taking a lane out of service.

Funny, around here we make it work. But the HOV lanes are limited to express buses, during rush hour. Taking the bus is so much better than sweating it out in traffic. I get to surf the web or take a nap while someone else does the driving. I pay less than I'd pay in gas and maintenance, and my commute is mostly tax free.

They work in some areas, make matters worse in other areas. They work great along routes going in and out of business districts dominated by 8-5 M-F jobs, not so well in areas dominated by some industries that have irregular hours where people just give up and drive to avoid being stranded after work with no way to get home, which is very possible here.

As far as solutions to traffic congestion here, light rail (trolleys) have proven to be very successful. The problem with building out the system from the Central City is NIMBY in the suburbs, and the Feds are forcing HOV lanes, when that money could be used for other alternatives.

[w8gtf]

Seat belt laws are simple. They are not about saving people. They are about you are less likely to be injured (or injured as badly) if you are wearing one.

The Insurance industry pushed the laws through in many states so they could avoid paying as much in injuries per accident.

The grand question shouldn't be "Why are there seat belt laws?", but "Why doesn't my insurance go down because of them?".

[ab8ma]

I got ticketed once for not wearing seat belts. Cost me $20.
Yes $20. I might add the fact that this was a few years ago. :)

Worn them ever since.

[w8gtf]

You should spend time with paramedics and cops picking up all the limbs and raw guts after somebody is thrown from a car..You may have second thoughts..Try picking up your Sunday School teachers head off the road and putting it into an ambulance..Aint a nice experience..

Before you start crowing about "your" individual freedoms which are mostly a mirage anyhow,you might show some responsibility..:mad:

I spent afew years on a volunteer fire & EMS department. I've seen my share.

As for my "freedoms". I saw an interview with a trama ER doctor (who just happened to ride a bike). He had a very good point about not wearing a helmet. He said that he'd rather die from a spill on a bike without a helmet, then spill with a helmet, only to survive but be paralized.

[N2RJ]

Only idiots don't buckle up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxLdCC46BUs

[N9MOQ]

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[N9MOQ]

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[N9MOQ]

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[N9MOQ]

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[kb9xn]

No need to worry about accidents, helmets, seat belts, auto insurance.

When President Obama/VP Clinton or President Clinton/VP Obama are elected in the fall they will as of January 20th put into effect a plan for the government to assume all of your medical costs and insurance costs as well as send you a check every month to purchase gasoline for your SUV.

Get used to it.

[N9MOQ]

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[KD6NIG]

The main issue with a lot of the "Diamond" lanes around here is the hours they are in service. Many of them are 3-7pm (as an example) but rush hour is probably more like 4:30-6. Maybe. Some days its longer, some days its shorter.

They also have metering lights on the onramps. These seem to work better at controlling flow, but once the freeway is full, they just break up the merging traffic.

HOV lanes would probably be better utilized on some kind of electronic control system. It would of course, cost money, but having something control them that checks traffic flow and the amount of traffic every 15 minutes would probably work better. If there is a heavy amount of traffic, then you have signs designate the lane as a carpool lane. But if its a holiday, or traffic hasn't gotten bad yet, leave the lane open as a general purpose lane.

Many times the signs will only specify M-F and the times. No differential on holidays, etc, where its likely traffic patterns will be so different it could probably benefit people at other times to have it be a diamond lane, other times to not.

There has been talk in some areas to reduce the timeframes.

Also, in situations where say an accident is blocking lets say the #4 lane you often have people jamming into the #2-3 lane to avoid it. But since the #1 is marked carpool people won't touch it out of fear of getting cited or worse. In such a situation the carpool lane should be opened for emergency use. Again though, the problem is enforcement and how it would be handled, some kind of system would have to be put in place.

Many toll bridges allow free passage during these hours too for carpools-there has been talk of maybe changing that to a reduced rate instead since revenue is being lost.

The other issue was the CA DMV handing out "carpool ok" stickers to cars that meet lower emission standards or get gas mileage over a set amount. This goes totally against the concept of the lanes-which was to increase number of humans per vehicle, not as an emissions control thing. This is still being debated, but its sounding like the feds may disallow it. I know it was for a limited number of cars anyway, but it may very well be overturned. If that happens, they may have to refund vehicle owners with the stickers as a fee was tied to getting that sticker as well as emissions/MPG requirements.

We will see what happens.

[vk6zgo]

The only reason you have airbags is because Americans refused to wear seatbelts,so the airbag was developed as an alternative.

When the Australian States made seatbelts compulsory,there was an immediate drop in the number of deaths & injuries caused by "silly" accidents("fender benders") & in accidents where subtantial damage was caused to the vehicles,but not complete 'write offs".

In high speed collisions with other vehicles or with trees & such,sometimes seatbelts helped,& sometimes not,depending on the individual situation.

Fines for not using seatbelts are not a good revenue earner,as over time almost everyone gets into the habit of wearing them,& the number of fines drop to nearly zero.

73 VK6ZGO

[K1CJS]

Your cops down there must do things differantly than up here. Whenever the police set up a major checkpoint here it is for a variety of things not just seatbelts. They check for seatbelts,registration,safety inspection,AND alcohol consumption all at the same time.It's not a big deal to smell for booze as you ask the driver a few questions or look at his eyes for signs of intoxicants be it alcohol or drugs.

Once in a while, there'll be checkpoints for just about everything--the thing that makes me laugh, however, is the large sign propped up on the bumper of the first cruiser stopped by the side of the road. The wording is simply "Seatbelt Use Checkpoint -- Slow Down" or announcing whatever the checkpoint is for at the time. The cops are glancing into cars as they go past, talking with each other, drinking coffee, while wandering around through the traffic flow, looking into the cars. When they spot someone not using their seatbelts, they wave the car over and issue the all important citation.

The checkpoint itself is a traffic hazard--especially the way it is run, but since it is being run by the 'officials' it isn't considered hazardous by them.

'Law enforcement' in some areas needs to be seen to be believed. Common sense IS a dead concept at some of these so called public service checkpoints. Ask yourself if YOU would wander around through moving traffic to do something like that???

[K1CJS]

Seat belt laws are simple. They are not about saving people. They are about you are less likely to be injured (or injured as badly) if you are wearing one.

The Insurance industry pushed the laws through in many states so they could avoid paying as much in injuries per accident.

The grand question shouldn't be "Why are there seat belt laws?", but "Why doesn't my insurance go down because of them?".

Your answer to your own statement shows that statement to be off the mark. Seatbelt laws are not simple. ONE of the reasons is to stop injury and insurance payouts, however, the insurance payouts are so high because of the way society treats things like this. Instead of paying these so called victims what they would expect to earn during their life plus their medical expenses, they're awarded ten or twenty times that. Medical costs are another place where the payments don't reflect at all the actual costs of the services--the payments are much higher. The entire system is skewed.

Another reason the laws are enacted is to generate revenue for the towns, cities and the state. Politics plays a great part in that--politicians get these programs enacted at the urging of public interest groups to give the people the idea they're doing something for them so they can get re-elected, but the programs have to get their funding somewhere. There is one reason the laws get enacted, to pay for the programs the politicians get going.

Special interest groups are another reason--they have the idea that everything has to be dictated by law. But these things go too far sometimes---no, a lot of the time. Laws legislating common sense and responcible behavior shouldn't have to be enacted, but the irresponcible way society conducts itself these days begs those laws to be.

Not only seatbelt laws, but all of these type of laws are NOT simple--but you're led to believe they are.

BTW, yes I do wear seatbelts when I drive--because its the smart thing to do, not because the law says I have to.

[AB1FV]

I don't understand why there is still people that don't automatically buckle up as soon as they sit their butt in a car. :eek:

That's beyond me :confused:

I had an early 90's Escort wagon that automatically set the shoulder harness when you got in. But the lap belt was a different story....

[K1CJS]

The only reason you have airbags is because Americans refused to wear seatbelts,so the airbag was developed as an alternative.



No, that isn't the only reason. Special interest groups are another, and so are the people who 'invented' the technology. Congressional mandates have their part in it too. Many people have their fingers in the pie over here.

[kc9jwa]

I think its great and also them doin thier job to check for seat belts , usally here thier job is eating doughnutz, anyway hope it goes well the law is the same here.:)

[KC2ESD]

In Pa. you don't need a helmet to ride your Harley, but you need a seat belt to drive your car, guess your brains being spattered on the highway is no big deal.


I went to a Funeral Thursday night 5/22/08 for some one who was riding in PA on their Harley and crashed. The rider was NOT wearing his helmet and suffered a fatal head injury. The rider was a friend of my sister. At the viewing it was a open casket but the funeral home made a barrier of flowers so you could not get closer then 10 ft from the casket. All I can say is wear your seat belt in your car and wear your helmet riding a bike.

Rick KC2ESD

[n2ize]

BINGO. That is the point that really gets me too. Police over here in the states tie up four or five cruisers and about a dozen officers for their 'roadblocks' ---just to get the people who don't have their seatbelts on. It seems to me the money spent for this travesty could be much better spent on catching some of the dope dealers and petty criminals that are running around.


I have an even better idea. Instead of running around bothering people for some petty marijuana or dope charge why not go after REAL violent criminals. The type that rape, mug, assault, steal and kill other people. And if they're going to patrol the roads go after lowlifes who are actually driving intoxicated and threatening our lives.

[ka5row]

:p I don't think I should be forced to where a seat belt. The law is not for your safety, the law is to generate revenue for the state. I do where a belt when it is raining, snowing, or heavy fog. That is my personal decision. Don't tell my by dam wear one or pay the state.

[kc9jwa]

I went to a Funeral Thursday night 5/22/08 for some one who was riding in PA on their Harley and crashed. The rider was NOT wearing his helmet and suffered a fatal head injury. The rider was a friend of my sister. At the viewing it was a open casket but the funeral home made a barrier of flowers so you could not get closer then 10 ft from the casket. All I can say is wear your seat belt in your car and wear your helmet riding a bike.

Rick KC2ESD
I agree my neighbor had a bad bike accident he was goin into the store lot and some woman not payin attention hit him he fell hard he had no helmet and almost passed away has issues now.:(

[VE1IDX]

Once in a while, there'll be checkpoints for just about everything--the thing that makes me laugh, however, is the large sign propped up on the bumper of the first cruiser stopped by the side of the road. The wording is simply "Seatbelt Use Checkpoint -- Slow Down" or announcing whatever the checkpoint is for at the time. The cops are glancing into cars as they go past, talking with each other, drinking coffee, while wandering around through the traffic flow, looking into the cars. When they spot someone not using their seatbelts, they wave the car over and issue the all important citation.

The checkpoint itself is a traffic hazard--especially the way it is run, but since it is being run by the 'officials' it isn't considered hazardous by them.

'Law enforcement' in some areas needs to be seen to be believed. Common sense IS a dead concept at some of these so called public service checkpoints. Ask yourself if YOU would wander around through moving traffic to do something like that???

Up here there is no sign on display just several cruisers with the roof lights on. They like to hang around just off the exit ramps so when you come off the highway there is no way to avoid them by going another way.Every car is stopped sometimes just for a couple seconds and waved on if all is well. You never hear of an accident at one other that the ocassional drunk that rear ends someone in full view of several cops. ;)

[VE1IDX]

This woman sustained a very common injury caused by the airbag in her car. The accident was a minor fender bender. She was wearing her seatbelts.

http://www.easternforensic.com/images/Facial_Burn.jpg

She would not have been hurt at all. The airbag actually caused all her facial and eye injuries. Her eyes were so badly injured that she suffered permanent partial loss of vision. Car manufacturers, the government, and the insurance industry are all covering up the true cause of these kinds of injuries. Can you afford not to know about why this happens to so many people and how it can easily happen to you?

This is an x ray of a woman's right forearm, wrist and hand. Her car was struck while waiting to make a turn. The bone near the wrist is called the radius. It broke in half like a dry toothpick. The other long bone is called the ulna. It is completely dislocated away from the wrist.

http://www.easternforensic.com/images/Fractured_radius.jpg

The airbag caused this injury. The woman sustained permanent partial loss of use of her right arm. This injury is very common in car crashes because of airbags. The normal everyday way of driving will result in this injury if the airbag deploys in a minor crash.

These are just a few of the many devastating injuries airbags often cause. Neck injuries are very common. In fact, some people have been decapitated by airbags. Nearly all of these horrors can be avoided.

If you think the airbag warnings on your vehicle's sun visor tell the truth about airbag dangers, think again. The victims shown in the photographs thought they were doing the right thing too.


All I can say is it's a good thing my airbag deployed in my Ranger several years ago. All I got was a very slight rash on my inner forearm. I suspect some people have a bad reaction to the chemicals in the airbags and I do know that some people do not have their hands on the wheel in the proper and safe position to avoid injury in an airbag deployment. I saw an old lady the other day driving with her little rat dog on her lap with it's front paws up on the steering wheel. All I could think about was where was the dog going to be if that airbag went off. :D