msd1107 wrote:
The reason to force usage of helmets, seat belts, etc is to minimize costs to society as a whole.
The individual may be willing to undertake the additional risks involved in not using a helmet or seat belt, or may complain of the restrictions to their personal liberty, but society as a whole saves money by forcing the use of these safety devices, which statistically reduce the costs involved in an accident.
Driving is an elective action. If a person values their freedom to not wear helmets or use seat belts, then do not drive. Use public transport. Stand up for your rights by your actions, not by flauting those rules that society as a whole has deemed necessary.
If you do not like the rules, lobby your legislators to change or repeal them.
What does this have to do with maintaining our Elans?
David
1968 36/7988
David,
as is so often the case this was a drift away from the main subject of exhaust noise & Exhaust system Components which appears to remain uncontrolled on Cars in the UK, whereas Motorbikes are jumped on by the Police in order to obtain funds for their annual Christmas bash, so to say.
My Posting was intentionally provocative.
However I would not dream of driving any Car or Bike without using a seat Belt or Crash Helmet on the Roads of Today, purely as a case of self preservation.
Nevertheless I don't remember "the cost to Society" argument being used at the time for the adoption of a new Law.
At the time there were TV campaigns like the Jimmy Saville "Clunk-Click" fasten every time.
However I can't recall when or why these "recommendations" became a "Law", which if not observed is punishable offense.
For me it's a case of "Big Brother" syndrome which seems to encroach all forms of what has been previously considered our "freedom of choice".
I don't doubt that I may be very much in the minority with this argument but it does make a change from discussing Main Bearing Caps so please don't blank it because it has so little to do with Elans; but it does have some bearing on a recent thread which discussed Modificatione & what's permissible.
No harm meant & hopefully no harm done?
John
P.S. I heard of a Guy who wanted to flick his Cigarette butt out of his Truck Window.
Instead it flew into the arm of his Jacket & began to smolder there.
A bit later his Jacket burst into flames & the Police pulled him-----
for having a Firearm