I'm six and a half feet tall and most of my family is taller. I'm confused. Seatbelts don't rub our necks if anything they come down on our arms in a weird place.devotedsniper said:
Poll: Americans and Seatbelts
- Thread starter TheRealCJ
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About 300% harder, but anyway... It's not that it's more difficult, it's that I don't like feeling restricted across my chest and lap. And no, I'm not some fat blob, I just don't particularly care for it, or the idea of insurance companies dictating legislation. If I don't want to wear a seatbelt and risk my life everyday I drive around in a metal/plastic box, surrounded by crazy cracked out Americans, that's my business.TheRealCJ said:
And I am totally aware that, statistically, accidents are more likely near your home (because everytime you leave or arrive from anywhere, you are near to your home, etc). I don't believe in statistics, though. I create my own reality constantly and tying it down with numbers will only limit my imagination. The only reason I wear it at all is so I don't get pulled over and the "safety blanket" sensation I get when I'm going way faster than I should be.ravensheart18 said:
It's funny... America gets seems to get way too much bad attention... I'm from Europe and I always thought that no one in the US used a seat belt... I know it's a bit prejudice of me but it's the vibe I got here...
These poll results where surprising... But I'm glad for you! =)
These poll results where surprising... But I'm glad for you! =)
I always drive with a seatbelt. Recently, I tried to see how it felt to drive without the seatbelt on and I just kept on imagining that this would be the one time I would get in an accident and fly out the front window. So yeah, I don't mind seatbelts.
Yes, I've since done the research and come to that conclusion. However, according to wikipedia, my mate's home state only has a ten dollar penalty for not wearing one, and you can only get fined if if you commit another infringement.ace_of_something said:
Most of them it's similar because it's just supposed to be a reminder and scare them the first time. The 2nd time in my state for example is $500. (first time is $50)TheRealCJ said:
Side note: a lot of states with strong agriculture backgrounds tend to have it that you only need to wear a seatbelt in the FRONT seat. (due to the use of farming equipment and trucks sometimes not HAVING a back seatbelt)
It's kind of stupid.
Canadian here, I know this is meant for the USA but I don't care. I know a few people who refuse to wear seatbelts but they are few and far between, most of the people I know (including myself) value not being badly injured by not wearing one and not being fined for not wearing one.
US citzen here and I feel very strange when I don't have a seatbelt on in my car. Hell, half the time even if I'm just sitting in it and not going anywhere I reach for it. Backseat one tend to be more uncomfortable but I deal with it. Should thing to awry I'd much rather not be flung out of the vehicle at high speeds. I have a motorcycle for that.
I do. The last time I didnt, my car flipped over and did five rolls. I was lucky to crawl out with a bruised arm and some scratches.
Yep. I didn't know her but I went to a very small high school (of like 600 people in the whole thing) when a girl a year younger than me was killed when she lost control of her car and was propelled through her windshield. Another time, a guy I did know a little was killed (as a passenger) when pretty much the same thing happened. I knew the driver (who was wearing his seat belt) pretty well and that whole thing screwed him up badly (guilt, mostly). Those cases are examples of drivers who probably were being irresponsible at the wheel, but it happens. A seat belt would have likely saved both, and it's not like it's some big inconvenience to just buckle up.
That said, I don't support seat belt laws. I just don't like the idea of someone getting a ticket because "you just put yourself and no one else in danger by not wearing it".
That said, I don't support seat belt laws. I just don't like the idea of someone getting a ticket because "you just put yourself and no one else in danger by not wearing it".
Well not a single substantial post for not wearing seat-belts, that's good.
Having only been pulled over by a State Trooper, because he couldn't see if I had a belt on or not. I've had no trouble's. Always wear mine.
My Brother who's leg was broken after he was ejected out of the passenger side window of the car he was in ages ago, while not wearing his seat-belt. He would give anything to go back in time and put it on. It would have saved on the pain and dealing with the couple of screw's he has to have in his knee.
Having only been pulled over by a State Trooper, because he couldn't see if I had a belt on or not. I've had no trouble's. Always wear mine.
My Brother who's leg was broken after he was ejected out of the passenger side window of the car he was in ages ago, while not wearing his seat-belt. He would give anything to go back in time and put it on. It would have saved on the pain and dealing with the couple of screw's he has to have in his knee.
I live in Australia, and it's pretty much second nature for me to put on my seatbelt whenever I get into a car. Partly because I drive an old car that doesn't have airbags, ABS, traction control or much in the way of safety at all, and partly because the fine for not wearing one is so massive I can't afford to pay it.
Also, I've crashed a car before, and my seatbelt certainly saved my life then. I hit a post at 80 Km/h and walked away with a slightly sore knee as it bumped steering column.
The only time I don't wear a seatbelt is when I'm in my brother's 1955 Austin A50, and that's only because it doesn't have seatbelts. It was built before they became mandatory.
Also, I've crashed a car before, and my seatbelt certainly saved my life then. I hit a post at 80 Km/h and walked away with a slightly sore knee as it bumped steering column.
The only time I don't wear a seatbelt is when I'm in my brother's 1955 Austin A50, and that's only because it doesn't have seatbelts. It was built before they became mandatory.
ok OP. Here's the problem with your thread:
"Okay, context: I have a mate who lived in the US for most of his young life, moved here about a year ago. Every time he gets in my car he complains about having to wear a seatbelt.
"Ugh they're so uncomfortable, nobody at home wore them, this stupid country etc."
Why is there such hatred for the things?"
You're complaining about a widespread hatred existing because of one person.
"Okay, context: I have a mate who lived in the US for most of his young life, moved here about a year ago. Every time he gets in my car he complains about having to wear a seatbelt.
"Ugh they're so uncomfortable, nobody at home wore them, this stupid country etc."
Why is there such hatred for the things?"
You're complaining about a widespread hatred existing because of one person.
See, in Australia (or at least Queensland), the default fine is 250 dollars, AND three demerit point. That means that I, as a provisional license holder, only have to get caught without my belt twice to lose my license.ace_of_something said:
Of course, wearing seat belts is so ingrained into put driving culture that it feels odd to not wear one automatically.
seriously, whenever I get on a bus, I feel weird for not having a belt.
It actually depends for me... I will wear a seatbelt if I'm riding with my family, people I don't know or for extended drives. I wouldn't wear one all the time if the drive distance is short or if I'm riding with one of my friends.