Voices

Outgoing question: Do you wear your seat belt? Why or why not? • I grew up in an airplane, so seat belts were a no-brainer for me, and I’ve always worn them. As a passenger, I’ve survived two head-ons and a roll-over. As a driver, I’ve been T-boned by a kid who was driving while suspended and ran a stop sign. I’ve lost a friend, seen others in the hospital, been pinned under a rolled semi with the cab ripped off and me still strapped in place, but I’ve always walked away. So I believe in seat belts. I wear them always. Nevertheless, seat belt laws are contrary to the spirit of our Constitution, if not the letter. • I am originally from California — land of extremely tight seat belt enforcement. I also remember prior to the law, my parents were absolute enforcers of wearing seat belts. Ironically, I recall one accident my mother had where she was leaning into the back seat to make sure my younger brother was buckled up and crashed into a tree doing 30 mph. I have been wearing seat belts for so long it's just habit to buckle up before I put the car in gear. In my youth, I was in several accidents, and seat belts significantly reduced my injuries. I was also in that “one” accident that the seat belt actually increased my injuries, however I am still alive. I know people will argue the pros and cons about seat belt use. I for one, will continue to buckle up, as well as encourage my passengers to do so.