Should the use of safety belts be legally mandated?

Question

Started a philosophical discussion with a co-worker last night that ended up going nowhere

My question is - Why should the use of safety belts be enforced by law instead of left up to the individual?

Mind you, I'm only talking about adults... no child restraint answers.

I understand that someone who is speeding, driving recklessly, or breaking any number of other traffic laws is putting themselves in danger - but they're also endangering the lives of everyone else on the road with them, possibly myself or my family.

But if someone chooses not to wear a seat belt, how does that endanger anyone but themselves?

And for the record: I do wear my safetey belt. I've worn it since before it was required by law. I do reccomend that everyone wear theirs. It's MY choice because I believe it makes ME safer when driving?

Any opinions?

Answer 1

I don't agree that the use of seatbelts or helmets by adults should be mandated by the government.

Answer 2

I say no, it  and helmets should be an adult's individual choice.

Answer 3

Personally, I do not believe that it should be mandated, but if there is any way to prolong the life of a tax-paying citizen, the gov't will be all over it (making suicide illegal, etc...)

Answer 4

I agree with you as well but someone has to help out and if wearing seat belts is required and not doing so will get you a ticket then so be it, life is to short and the two seconds that it takes to put your seat belt on is no bid deal....

Not wearing you seat belts while in a accident could endanger someone else if your car hits someone and you get knock out by the steering wheel as opposed to not hitting the wheel and controlling your vehicle possibly away from another vehicle.