NH Seatbelt Law

[AlanM]

I have a belief that goes thusly: The safer the car, the crazier the driver. Every storm, take a look at what cars are off the road, or involved in accidents. Very high possibility of the cars being 4WD with airbags, and with the occupants wearing their seatbelts.

[cathleeninnh]

I haven't done any recent research, but 2 years ago I found several studies where this proved to be true. Airbagged vehicles had more accidents. One study on seatbelt laws found an increase in pedestrian deaths. Behavior changes with a perception of safety.

Cathleen

[BlueLu]

Hey I'm just wondering if anyone knows of a good response to the "theoretical increase in insurance premiums" garbage that they've been touting all along.

We MUST have a legitimate, reasonable, clear, true, and logical response to this argument.

I can't really think of anything off the top of my head except for the fact that insurance companies only increase premiums for everyone when they are not allowed to "discriminate" against risky people because the government bans them from such "discrimination".

I think this is the appropriate *reasoning*. ?I'd say a effective response would be something like, "We advocate the repeal of legislation that prevents insurers from requiring their customers to use seatbelts. ?Insurers should be able to have different rates for seat belt users and non-users, the same way they have different rates for tobacco users and non-users."

[BlueLu]

Always offer an alternative *action* that you advocate to address the objection raised -- even if the action is to get a law out of the way or to channel concerned citizens' interest into a voluntary group that offers assistance, monitoring, etc.

[Russell Kanning]

One problem seems to go back to whether seatbelts are always safer. If you believe that, then you think not wearing seatbelts causes needless suffering and expenses. If there is extra expenses then we all eventually feel that through our insurance companies.

[Lloyd Danforth]

The obvious thing to do to increase saftey on the roads is to put up a bill demanding the removal of all automobile  Brake systems and bumpers and window glass!

[Russell Kanning]

How about a limit of 50 horsepower on vehicle motors?

[AlanM]

What about seat-belts for bicycles? It's for the kids, you know.

[jcpliberty]

What about seat-belts for bicycles? It's for the kids, you know.

Helmets, they already MAKE THEM wear helmets in MA with $50 fine on the parents if they do not wear theyir helmets!

JP

[AlanM]

Since the kids have been wearing helmets, have you noticed how many don't bother to look before turning in front of cars?

[Russell Kanning]

Does anyone know what day they are going to have hearings on the Seatbelt law?

[intergraph19]

How about a limit of 50 horsepower on vehicle motors?

Don't give them ideas. 

[Karl]

Does anyone know what day they are going to have hearings on the Seatbelt law?

It still hasn't been scheduled.

BTW, there is a bill, HB118, that mandates bicycle helmets for kids.  So, after 100 years of kids riding their bicycles with no fuss, all of a sudden, this law is needed.  Zero bicycle deaths in New Hampshire last year.

[John]

Does anyone know what day they are going to have hearings on the Seatbelt law?

It still hasn't been scheduled.

BTW, there is a bill, HB118, that mandates bicycle helmets for kids.? So, after 100 years of kids riding their bicycles with no fuss, all of a sudden, this law is needed.? Zero bicycle deaths in New Hampshire last year.

Damn, these things just keep coming back.
I think it was just last year that this bicycle helmet issue was rejected on the grounds that it is up to the parents - not government.

[Lloyd Danforth]

Had a good time, driving Naked (seatbelt-less) around the towns of NH yesterday!