Why have so many stopped wearing seat belts.

[Logo Hater]

A long time ago I started a thread about how the 20 somethings seem to be reluctant to wear seat belts. It is now spreading to a much older group of people.

In my semi retired state I work 4 mornings a week in a local garage serving the public who are buying petrol. I commented how it was becoming apparent that lots of young, well to me they are,drivers along with many of their passengers were not putting on seat belts. I have noticed lately that the trend seems to be that fewer and fewer older drivers are using them. It seems to be catching on.

I simply cannot understand what is in the head of someone who would take the risk of the catastrophic effects of having an accident without the added security of wearing a seat belt. Are they relying purely on the airbag saving them from injury, or do they just believe It won't happen to me.

I have to say though that it pales into insignificance compared to what I saw the other day. A fairly young couple drew up at a petrol pump, and a girl, because that's all she was, was sat in the front passenger seat without a seat belt, holding a baby in her arms, who appeared to be no more than about 6 months old, I assumed she was the childs mother, it isn't really important whether she was or not.

I was so tempted to take a note of the car registration number and report them to the police but cowardice took hold and I didn't. You never know the reaction of people these days to anything which may cause them grief. I don't know how I would have lived with myself though, had anything happened to that child.

[Mr_Wistles]

I think this applies to every single taxi driver.

[Duncan G]

Originally Posted by Russell_Piper

I think this applies to every single taxi driver.

But Taxi drivers are exempt from wearing seat belts.

[Mr_Wistles]

Originally Posted by Duncan G

But Taxi drivers are exempt from wearing seat belts.

Is that true?

[Kieron]

Originally Posted by Russell_Piper

Is that true?

Yep, they are exempt. Basically the passenger behind can pull tight on the seatbelt whilst the passenger in the front seat robs the driver. Or so the logic goes.

[Mr_Wistles]

Wow, never knew that, I would of expected the people who are on the road the most would have to wear one.

[mrm3]

Originally Posted by Kieron

Yep, they are exempt. Basically the passenger behind can pull tight on the seatbelt whilst the passenger in the front seat robs the driver. Or so the logic goes.

They could have a different harness ?

I thought everyone still wears seatbelts personally. I thought it was the older generations that did not as it used not be mandatory.

[Adam Shaw]

I believe we need to make 2 key changes to car design, which will make our roads much safer:

1. petrol tanks must be mounted at the front of the car, and not protected

2. steering wheels must have a 12 inch long metal spike protruding from the middle.

After a few weeks of carnage, our roads will become safe, and remain safe.

[Duncan G]

Originally Posted by Kieron

Yep, they are exempt. Basically the passenger behind can pull tight on the seatbelt whilst the passenger in the front seat robs the driver. Or so the logic goes.

I found this on this site; http://www.lawontheweb.co.uk/seatbelts.htm

Exemptions from seat belt wearing

The legislation provides for a number of specific exemptions from the seat belt wearing requirements on medical and other grounds. Please consult your doctor if you think you should not wear a seat belt on medical grounds.
As for the others these include:-

"(b) the driver of or a passenger in a motor vehicle constructed or adapted for carrying goods, while on a journey which does not exceed 50 metres and which is undertaken for the purpose of delivering or collecting any thing;

(c) a person driving a vehicle while performing a manoeuvre which includes reversing;

(d) a qualified driver (within the meaning given by regulation 9 of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1987) who is supervising the holder of a provisional licence (within the meaning of Part III of the Act) while that holder is performing a manoeuvre which includes reversing;

(e) a person by whom, as provided in the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1987, a test of competence to drive is being conducted and his wearing a seat belt would endanger himself or any other person;

(f) a person driving or riding in a vehicle while it is being used for fire brigade or police purposes or for carrying a person in lawful custody (a person who is being so carried being included in this exemption);

(g) the driver of—

(i) a licensed taxi while it is being used for seeking hire, or answering a call for hire, or carrying a passenger for hire, or

(ii) a private hire vehicle while it is being used to carry a passenger for hire;

(h) a person riding in a vehicle, being used under a trade licence, for the purpose of investigating or remedying a mechanical fault in the vehicle;

(j) a disabled person who is wearing a disabled person's belt; or

(k) a person riding in a vehicle while it is taking part in a procession organised by or on behalf of the Crown."

[RMCF]

The wearing of seatbelts among adults is always something that I found strange.

Why is it that I can be fined for not wearing my seatbelt, when I am an adult over 18 that is capable of making my own decisions in life.

Why do the Gov feel that they are responsible for making us wear one - I am responsible, not them. If I crash and suffer horrible injuries that could possibly have been avoided then its MY fault, and nobody else's.

I am all for under 18's being made to wear the belt by the driver, but once over 18 a driver should have the choice.

[jenic]

Originally Posted by RMCF

The wearing of seatbelts among adults is always something that I found strange.

Why is it that I can be fined for not wearing my seatbelt, when I am an adult over 18 that is capable of making my own decisions in life.

Why do the Gov feel that they are responsible for making us wear one - I am responsible, not them. If I crash and suffer horrible injuries that could possibly have been avoided then its MY fault, and nobody else's.

I am all for under 18's being made to wear the belt by the driver, but once over 18 a driver should have the choice.

BUT, if someone else caused the accident and you die they are in a lot of trouble, if a seatbelt would have saved your life and you were wearing it then they are in less trouble. Its not fair on others not to wear a seatbelt, it could be the difference between a few points and being imprisoned for the guilty driver, sure they might be in the wrong but thats life and its not like seatbelts are uncomfy or anything these days so why not wear them and protect your life.

[alexs2]

Originally Posted by RMCF

Why do the Gov feel that they are responsible for making us wear one - I am responsible, not them. If I crash and suffer horrible injuries that could possibly have been avoided then its MY fault, and nobody else's.

.....

Whilst that may be true,it then falls to others to recover you from the scene of the accident,and then do whatever is possible to deal with the facial,cranial,chest and other injuries associated with not wearing a seat belt.

If you've encountered the results of these injuries,your views may be different.

[Decadence]

They crinkle my freshly ironed shirt.

[alexs2]

Originally Posted by Decadence

They crinkle my freshly ironed shirt.

A steering wheel will unfortunately have a similar effect although more marked.

[jolly]

Originally Posted by alexs2

A steering wheel will unfortunately have a similar effect although more marked.

Nice reply