At 13:45 5/8/98 -0700, you wrote:
>
>If enough people were personally responsible with helmets, seat belts, use
>of headlights, etc. then you wouldn't need "unnecessary legislation" in the
>first place.  Sadly, there are too many people who aren't "dorking around"
>with their safety equipment in use and you end up having to legislate it.
>The system also needs legislation for the car makers to develop and provide
>the safety options at a reasonable price.
>

Actually the problem is more fundamental. If the government would begin to
make people take personal responsibility for their own actions, instead of
letting 'society' pick up the tab for stupid people, they would never have
passed these laws. Them who follow the 'common sense' of life, and buckle up
will live longer, happier lives. Etc. etc...

Personally, I think laws like this should all cut off when a person becomes
an adult - 18 or 21 years, so that children are protected, but people old
enough to know better are free to risk their stupid necks if they wish.

I wear my belts. I even put shoulder harnesses in my first car, before they
were required. I just don't like Big Brother breathing down my neck to make
sure I am 'safe'.

Please don't think I am in favor of letting carmakers sell DANGEROUS
products, but if I want an airbag, I should have the option of asking for
one, not having it forced on me.

Sorry for the vent..

Chuck Kuecker
Cary, Illinois

ckuecker@mcs.net

'83 Scirocco (Katy's car now)
'58 Ghia Convert
'75 Bug
'67 Bug
'63 Bug (*still* for sale)
'91 Vanagon