It's all about the money.
Cops don't generate revenue cops don't get to keep their job.

I've been pulled over not less than 5 times in my life for having a tail lamp or head lamp out on my vehicle. I have never been issued a ticket. I have received a mechanical warning on a couple of occasions.

With the new modular types of lamps I keep 1 of each kind in my car. It's a small expense but I can replace them on the spot if pulled over. But since the last pull over I've started doing a "pre-flight" check before trips. It takes a few seconds which is a shorter period of time than getting pulled over.

What city did you get pulled over in?

Buckle up and don't worry about it... I honestly don't know of anyone that has an issue with wearing a seatbelt now. 10-12 years ago was a totally different story though...

I've said it before and I'll say it again - The government has no business or right (IMO) to fine me for not wearing a seatbelt. Great; they can warn me that it's safer with one on and maybe even that they'd like me to wear one, but that's it.

The only person I'm putting at risk is myself - let me make that decision. Screw big overbearing government. If they want to fine everyone for participating in risky ventures how about going into a bar and fining everyone with a beer in their hand? or everyone who's smoking? How about anybody having sex? That can lead to all sorts of deseases.

I could go on and on but the bottom line is I want minimum government interference in my life - not Big Brother looking over my shoulder for "my own good". And FYI I do wear my seatbelt. I just don't think they should be able to fine me if I choose not to. :cuss

So...would you be OK with a law that said you don't have to wear your seatbelt, but if someone hits you, they're not liable for your medical expenses since you weren't wearing it?

Exactly. There should be a box on the back of your DL that says "I refuse to buckle up, therefore I waive my right to injury claims resulting from a wreck since I am a bonehead."

Check that and then be on your merry way.

If the person that hit me was at fault (ran a light, speeding, illegal turn, ect.) then I would expect him to be responsible for my injuries whether I was wearing a belt or not. The fact that I was or wasn't wearing a seatbelt had absolutely no bearing on how the other driver was driving. If I cause an accident then it's my responsibility; whether the other driver is buckled up or not.

Perhaps you're not aware of this, but insurance companies base their rates on their losses. The more they have to pay out for injuries the more we ALL pay to insure our vehicles.

I'm well aware of it and as far as I'm concerned it doesn't change my objection to the government fining me if I'm not buckled up. The government works for the insurance companies now? Anyway I'm off to work now so we'll just agree to disagree with this law. No big deal - it's not going away anyhow. ( and I will be buckled up :p )

The insurance companies will make money regardless, it benefits US by having lower ins rates. I see it as a personal responsibility issue, and since people don't want to take the responsibility to protect themselves I don't have a problem with the gov't stepping in.

Is your mom badgirl, by any chance?

Does the government have a right to ensure I practice safe sex? or wear a life vest when I swim? should there be a law making disconnecting the battery cables on your car before performing work mandatory? what about a law that makes you use studded snow tires in the winter? ...

They should waive their rights to all medical treatment IMO. They don't wear a seatbelt, let em die on the side of the road.

DYING affects a lot more people than just yourself. It's a pretty ****in selfish thing to do to not wear a seatbelt, helmet, etc.

That is kinda funny. It's a pretty broad stereotype but i've found that most people who drive pickup's are asshole drivers. :p

Condom, life vest, drive in winter conditions w/o studded snow tires...jeeze the list could go on forever