Safety Belt reminder?

[rookie1]

I know this seems really stupid, but, is there a trick to getting the dang belt reminder to turn off? It's covered on page 82 of the 04 manual but I've tried it a dozen times and it won't work. Was at the dealer today ordering my trunk organizer and cargo net and the salesman and the service mgr each took a crack at it with no success either. I know it seems stupid but it's bugging me.

[RF Overlord]

I had a hard time making it work, too...until I figured out that when the manual talks about the "restraint" light, it doesn't mean the seat-belt light, as one would logically a$$ume :rolleyes: , it means the AIR BAG light...( ! ) go figure...I guess they tried to make it as difficult and confusing as possible, so only the most determined would actually do it...once I had that part figured out, the rest worked fine.

If you were already looking at the correct light, then I don't know... :confused:

[greyghost]

I had a hard time making it work, too...until I figured out that when the manual talks about the "restraint" light, it doesn't mean the seat-belt light, as one would logically a$$ume :rolleyes: , it means the AIR BAG light...( ! ) go figure...I guess they tried to make it as difficult and confusing as possible, so only the most determined would actually do it...once I had that part figured out, the rest worked fine.

If you were already looking at the correct light, then I don't know... :confused:
So, Uh, you mean you can acyually turn off the seat belt alarm doohicky. Can you post the procedure for us learning impaired types that have a bit of trouble reading.

Thanks

[MERCMAN]

So, Uh, you mean you can acyually turn off the seat belt alarm doohicky. Can you post the procedure for us learning impaired types that have a bit of trouble reading.

Thanks


Here it is in PDF.. Thanks to bunny for sending it to me

[jgc61sr2002]

If you wear your seat belt the alarm will not activate. It is a good reminder IMO. :up:

[rookie1]

I had a hard time making it work, too...until I figured out that when the manual talks about the "restraint" light, it doesn't mean the seat-belt light, as one would logically a$$ume :rolleyes: , it means the AIR BAG light...( ! ) go figure...I guess they tried to make it as difficult and confusing as possible, so only the most determined would actually do it...once I had that part figured out, the rest worked fine.

If you were already looking at the correct light, then I don't know... :confused:

that did it! what a pain in the A##! TY

[greyghost]

Here it is in PDF.. Thanks to bunny for sending it to me
Thanks Mercman and all others that contributed to this thread. I reprogramed both the drivers and the passengers seats this morning. YAHOOO!! I use my seat belt some of the time but not all the time and that alarm feature is a pain in the Arse. On my o3 300B owners manual it is on page 102.

[CRUZTAKER]

I use my seat belt some of the time but not all the time....
No flame to all you non-seat belt wearers, but...

mmm, you may want to figure out how to disable your air bad as well.
An airbag deploy whilst not wearing a seatbelt could be fatal.

We're not in the 20th century any longer, seatbelts really do save lives.

[STLThunder]

I know the belt reminder dinging is annoying, but it's to remind the driver and front passenger to wear them. I survived and walked away from what could have been a fatal accident in 1964 by wearing only a lap belt. Since then my car doesn't move until everyone is buckled up. There was only one time in college when I didn't wear my seat belt and, wouldn't you know, had an accident that put my head through the windshield, cutting me up some and lost a tooth while biting through my lip as I also hit the steering wheel.

My recommomendation is too avoid the chimes by buckling up.

[RF Overlord]

My recommomendation is too avoid the chimes by buckling up.

I also want everyone to understand that I strongly endorse wearing seat belts at all times...it's just that there are times when I may be sitting in the car and need to remove the belt (like at a drive-by OOPS I MEAN drive-up ATM) and the chiming is annoying...when the car is moving, I always have the seat belt buckled.


An airbag deploy whilst not wearing a seatbelt could be fatal.

Very good point.

[Dr Caleb]

My recommomendation is too avoid the chimes by buckling up.

I second this. Seatbelts saved me when I rolled my Suzuki. Count to 5. That is how fast you go from driving straight on a highway to rolling in the ditch once you hit ice. I've avoided broken legs from frontal impacts, broken arms and neck from rear impacts and being thrown from a vehicle from a side impact.

Almost every week I hear on the news about some massive car crash, where occupants that die aren't wearing their belts, and the survivors walk away uninjured.

I've worn seatbelts since I learned to drive, and except for hunting off road, I always wear them.

[woaface]

I like mine...if I go down the street (no more than 2 miles) I don't usually wear it because of the amount of traffic and the speed of under 25mph. Yeah, mine is broke and doesn't beep...so that was the easy way out!

[greyghost]

Thanks for all the positive input.

[RCSignals]

If you wear your seat belt the alarm will not activate. It is a good reminder IMO. :up:


I agree


It's the easiest way of disabling the chime :)

[woaface]

Ok, ok, I must admit, I do take my seatbelt other times. It's just too restraining when doing dounuts.:rasta:

[spotbearsd]

(I know this is a little off topic but..)
Back in 1982 when I was 16, I was goofing off (1 mile from home) blasting through rain puddles in an old '72 K5 Blazer (you know, the one with the full fiberglass top). It was outfitted with lap belts only and my family never wore them (they were covered with old gum and french fries anyways). Needless to say, I lost control, spun around 180 degress and crossed the road.. now going backwards. The Blazer then rolled over down an embankment and was stopped by a large orange tree.

I was thrown around inside the truck like a doll. I had sunglasses on that almost removed my eye as they were smashed into my face. I eventually was thrown out the drivers side window just as the vehicle came back down on all fours wheels.

I still have an eight inch scar from my right eye all the way back far into my scalp. I have deep scars on my right cheek as well. I also broke my nose and and have had a total of 5 plastic surgeons visits to improve the damage. Last month, I had to have my nose re-repaired to remove some listing and its been over 20 years since this happened.

I remember that day as if it was yesterday. I can still remember the sensation of the accident and helplessnes it instilled while in progress. I also remember what I looked like when I came home from the hospital (like Mike Tyson beat me up). I also remember more recently, the pain of more reconstructive surgery.

Thanks, but I think I'll pass on this experience again. I'll take whatever precautions I can to prevent further injury in an automobile.

[SergntMac]

I'll take whatever precautions I can to prevent further injury in an automobile.
Thank you spotbeardsd, sometimes a story like your's is what it takes for us all to remember why seatbelts are important. I find my OEM belt lacking, it's too loose most of the time. I'd like to feel a bit more secure in the seat when I feel like hitting the twisties.

BTW, around these parts, seat belt use became a mandatory enforcement issue, and the cops can stop you just for that. I've seen troppers standing at the toll booths and flagging cars over for no seat belts. Wasn't this way before, you had to do something else first. Fines are pretty stiff too.

I'm usually bored by the safety nazis, they can go too far at times, but my own experience has been the best teacher about seat belts.

[jfclancy]

(I know this is a little off topic but..)
Thanks, but I think I'll pass on this experience again. I'll take whatever precautions I can to prevent further injury in an automobile.

I have rolled several vehicles on snow and ice that would have killed me BUT for the seat belt. I was driving behind a Military jeep when it rolled doing anout 15 MPH slid for about 400 meters down a hill the front seat passenger was wearing a seat belt and a "Steel Pot" . Only thing that happened to him he needed a new helmet and a new field jacket. You can make all the excuses you want BUT seat belt save lives. It amazes me Mercury has a way to disable them from a product liability point of view that could be very costly.

Joe CLancy :up:

[MapleLeafMerc]

Thank you spotbeardsd, sometimes a story like your's is what it takes for us all to remember why seatbelts are important. I find my OEM belt lacking, it's too loose most of the time. I'd like to feel a bit more secure in the seat when I feel like hitting the twisties.

BTW, around these parts, seat belt use became a mandatory enforcement issue, and the cops can stop you just for that. I've seen troppers standing at the toll booths and flagging cars over for no seat belts. Wasn't this way before, you had to do something else first. Fines are pretty stiff too.

I'm usually bored by the safety nazis, they can go too far at times, but my own experience has been the best teacher about seat belts.

I also object to the way the safety nazis work, pushing one feature after another, with the attitude that even if it saves just one life the hundreds of millions in tooling costs (and increased new vehicle costs) are worth it. The corollary argument they use is that if a driver is not wearing a belt and is injured, it costs 'society' extra money in hospital costs, etc. It's just that there are a host of activities that people engage in that result in injury. When do we say life is risky, we have enough 'safety' now?

BTW, belts have been mandatory here for years. I always wear mine but I don't think people who don't should be punished. As long as they have minors in the car buckled up, leave them alone.

[woaface]

(I know this is a little off topic but..)
Back in 1982 when I was 16, I was goofing off (1 mile from home) blasting through rain puddles in an old '72 K5 Blazer (you know, the one with the full fiberglass top). It was outfitted with lap belts only and my family never wore them (they were covered with old gum and french fries anyways). Needless to say, I lost control, spun around 180 degress and crossed the road.. now going backwards. The Blazer then rolled over down an embankment and was stopped by a large orange tree.

I was thrown around inside the truck like a doll. I had sunglasses on that almost removed my eye as they were smashed into my face. I eventually was thrown out the drivers side window just as the vehicle came back down on all fours wheels.

I still have an eight inch scar from my right eye all the way back far into my scalp. I have deep scars on my right cheek as well. I also broke my nose and and have had a total of 5 plastic surgeons visits to improve the damage. Last month, I had to have my nose re-repaired to remove some listing and its been over 20 years since this happened.

I remember that day as if it was yesterday. I can still remember the sensation of the and helplessnes it instilled while in progress. I also remember what I looked like when I came home from the hospital (like Mike Tyson beat me up). I also remember more recently, the pain of more reconstructive surgery.

Thanks, but I think I'll pass on this experience again. I'll take whatever precautions I can to prevent further injury in an automobile. Although I have gone through puddles, I'd never trust the car to blast through them, I'd be scared of flooding the engine! That's a very pursuasive story, but if I'm in an open parking lot and I need to see around me and I'm not in danger of hitting anything or anyone and I'm not speeding (more than 15mph), it comes off. Otherwise, I NEVER want to experience something like that, so it will stay on.
I think it's a really good idea to wear a seatbelt, and once I'm backed out of my drive way (if I haven't backed in) It goes on before the car gets put into drive (unless of course I'm going down the street to fetch a friend in the neighborhood.) I never feel right with out a seatbelt, I feel too loose, so I always wear it just on that premise. If I really get the car up and going when I'm in college, I'll be looking for a 5 point harness. I see absolutly no reason to take my belt off in any situation when I'm out driving around town. 17 teenagers died in the county last year, 2 were restrained. Yeah, I think about that all the time.


However, I don't believe that the government should interfere with people who wish not to wear theres. That is their choice, and if they would rather not have one on, let them be...the law isn't going to change but a few people, the majority of them won't wear belts anyways. It's just another way for South Carolina to get some money, and we're kind of in the hole. You know how the DOT fills up pot holes? Anywhere, anyroad, they fill them like it was putting gum over a bullet mark in a brick. They'll do anything for money right now.

[RF Overlord]

However, I don't believe that the government should interfere with people who wish not to wear theres. That is their choice, and if they would rather not have one on, let them be...the law isn't going to change but a few people, the majority of them won't wear belts anyways.

I don't want to turn this thread into a political debate on governmental intrusion, but as long as society as a whole ends up paying (in the form of higher car and health insurance costs) for the ignorant nitwit who won't wear his seat belt, gets into an accident and suffers horrible injury, then the government DOES have an obligation to push safety issues. Same with smokers...sure it's their choice, but you and I are paying for it when they need life-support...and people who won't wear helmets on motorcycles...same thing...

[end rant]

[spotbearsd]

To late.. I think this has turned political ;)

In that case, I'll spare you fine folks my head first motorcycle helmet story against an adobe brick wall!!

It's not fair, they make us do all sorts of crazy responsible things out here in California... helmet laws, seatbelt laws and smoke free bars!!

FREE CALIFORNIA!!!!!

Oh yeah, and who put all this extra plumbing and smog junk attached to my engine??

[RCSignals]

I don't want to turn this thread into a political debate on governmental intrusion, but as long as society as a whole ends up paying (in the form of higher car and health insurance costs) for the ignorant nitwit who won't wear his seat belt, gets into an accident and suffers horrible injury, then the government DOES have an obligation to push safety issues. Same with smokers...sure it's their choice, but you and I are paying for it when they need life-support...and people who won't wear helmets on motorcycles...same thing...

[end rant]


Some people may want the "freedom" to not wear seatbelts or motorcycle helmets. That's fine I suppose. I want them to take full responsibility for their actions though, when they are in an accident and injured because of not taking simple precautions. I want the "freedom" from not having to pay out of my pocket for their choices. Think it isn't a problem? Talk to any Emergency room nurse.

[MapleLeafMerc]

RF, how about the skiers we hear about every year, caught in avalanches because they were chasing the ultimate powder? They cost us all in extra medical expenses, too.

For me I guess it's a philosophical thing. Everyone has risky habits and/or hobbies. It's just that it can be a slippery slope when you start asking bureaucrats to assess or control risks. And we all know that they love to exert control over our lives.

[woaface]

I don't want to turn this thread into a political debate on governmental intrusion, but as long as society as a whole ends up paying (in the form of higher car and health insurance costs) for the ignorant nitwit who won't wear his seat belt, gets into an and suffers horrible injury, then the government DOES have an obligation to push safety issues. Same with smokers...sure it's their choice, but you and I are paying for it when they need life-support...and people who won't wear helmets on motorcycles...same thing...

[end rant]:help: :D So how are we paying for it in the for of health insurance? Isn't it illegal to drive in almost every state without insurance? The nitwit's insurance company is paying for it. Second, we get a law passed that says insurance companies can't punish the rest of us and raise rates because of our deceased friend Nit Wit. Smokers? If they don't have the insurance to pay for their own stupid health that's their fault, get it from family, or let 'em die.

I'm just digging my grave right? It shouldn't be our fault, and the government shouldn't make it. My point is, even with the law passed, people who don't won't to wear it won't wear it anyways. How many people actually get tickets for it? Very few I'm sure. If we got rid of all the stupid bills that go through legislation, we could save a lot more time for real issues, and maybe some taxpayer money.

[RCSignals]

RF, how about the skiers we hear about every year, caught in avalanches because they were chasing the ultimate powder? They cost us all in extra medical expenses, too.

For me I guess it's a philosophical thing. Everyone has risky habits and/or hobbies. It's just that it can be a slippery slope when you start asking bureaucrats to assess or control risks. And we all know that they love to exert control over our lives.

Same applies to skiers int hat situation, etc.

Go to a race track and you'll have to sign a waiver. Go to the IMOA meet and you'll have to sign a waiver.

Drive without your seatbelt, and I want you to sign a waiver...

[Ross]

Around Houston for the past few months, police have been waiting out of their cars underneath overpasses in the U turn lanes. As soon as you go under the freeway to make a U turn, they are there on the ground to get a good look at whether you are buckled up and they can pull you right over if you aren't. They always have several cars lined up writing tickets. Doesn't bother me, I always buckle up.

[woaface]

Around Houston for the past few months, police have been waiting out of their cars underneath overpasses in the U turn lanes. As soon as you go under the freeway to make a U turn, they are there on the ground to get a good look at whether you are buckled up and they can pull you right over if you aren't. They always have several cars lined up writing tickets. Doesn't bother me, I always buckle up.
U turns aren't illegal unless otherwise posted here. I never know where I'm going and do them often (safely!)

[jgc61sr2002]

Seat belts in cars and helmets on motorcyles is mandatory in NY State. You can't have enough safety features. IMO. Another reason for me purchasing my Marauder was the side air bags in addition to the front. :up:

[TAF]

U turns aren't illegal unless otherwise posted here. I never know where I'm going and do them often (safely!)
He's talking about the Turnarounds, James. The Police aren't getting them for U-turns...but it's a good area to observe drivers as to whether they have their seatbelts on.

I miss turnarounds and frontage roads.

Texas = the BEST road systems in the U.S.A.!!!!

[Ross]

Texas = the BEST road systems in the U.S.A.!!!![/QUOTE]



Amen, Todd!

[woaface]

He's talking about the Turnarounds, James. The Police aren't getting them for U-turns...but it's a good area to observe drivers as to whether they have their seatbelts on.

I miss turnarounds and frontage roads.

Texas = the BEST road systems in the U.S.A.!!!!What the hell is a turn around?
Frontage roads are great...yes.
I've always wanted to go to Texas just to drive...:rock:

[CRUZTAKER]

I've been to Texas, good roads yes, nice climate contributes to that.

But if you want turnarounds, I mean at EVERY intersection that is 4 lanes across...Michigan! It drives me crazy. No pun... But you can't make a left turn anywhere. One must drive past the road you want to turn left on and do a flip across the median at designated areas. What makes it really interesting is when 3 cars side by side do the flip....

[SergntMac]

Go to a race track and you'll have to sign a waiver. Go to the IMOA meet and you'll have to sign a waiver. Drive without your seatbelt, and I want you to sign a waiver...

I hear ya, Duncan, but ain't nobody signing no waiver on MY safety.

I want someone here to volunteer to try something, and tell us what happens. Find yourself a beater with a vinyl driver's seat, a cloth rag, a can of Lemon Pledge (doesn't have to lemon) and a big, wide open space with no pedestrians or obstacles. I want you coat that driver's seat with the Pledge, it will run in real nice, maybe even clean it up a little. Now, start doing a bunch of left-handed donuts...Oh, and without a seat belt. Come back here and fill us in on your experience, please?

What we will most likely hear, is a confusing, perhaps panic-filled account of how someone tried to control an automobile in a left handed skid, while also trying to keep their but behind the wheel. That means their focus, for the few seconds before any impact with oncoming traffic, is holding on, and not controlling an out of control car. It ain't happening. And every on-coming car I face in traffic, I'm on his left side. If he ain't wearing his seat belt, and something goes amiss, it's my azz in a sling along with his. He may have signed his waiver, but he didn't sign mine...

[RCSignals]

That's exactly it Mac. For sake of a little "it's my freedom" someone else's freedom is put at jeopardy.

Obstinate refusal to do something as simple as wear a seat belt, is just beyond my comprehension. But that's just me.

[woaface]

I hear ya, Duncan, but ain't nobody signing no waiver on MY safety.

I want someone here to volunteer to try something, and tell us what happens. Find yourself a beater with a vinyl driver's seat, a cloth rag, a can of Lemon Pledge (doesn't have to lemon) and a big, wide open space with no pedestrians or obstacles. I want you coat that driver's seat with the Pledge, it will run in real nice, maybe even clean it up a little. Now, start doing a bunch of left-handed donuts...Oh, and without a seat belt. Come back here and fill us in on your experience, please?

What we will most likely hear, is a confusing, perhaps panic-filled account of how someone tried to control an automobile in a left handed skid, while also trying to keep their but behind the wheel. That means their focus, for the few seconds before any impact with oncoming traffic, is holding on, and not controlling an out of control car. It ain't happening. And every on-coming car I face in traffic, I'm on his left side. If he ain't wearing his seat belt, and something goes amiss, it's my azz in a sling along with his. He may have signed his waiver, but he didn't sign mine...This is the first thing I haven't understood from you Sarge, how this is a real world scenario. I've never seen anyone cover their seat with pledge, and do donuts in the road. Yeah, that would be dangerous.
From what I can gather, you're saying that because the seat is slippery without a seatbelt, they can't control the car and therefore cause a wreck ?
Sorry I hafta ask...:depress:

[RCSignals]

Now James, you go to your corner and think about it

[Bigdogjim]

Well if you get in MY car and don't buckle up your azz goes out the door!

2,000,000+ miles in a tour bus driving all over America. I have seen too too much carnage.

Buckle up or walk.

[Dr Caleb]

From what I can gather, you're saying that because the seat is slippery without a seatbelt, they can't control the car and therefore cause a wreck ?
Sorry I hafta ask...:depress:

Vinyl seats are slippery at the best of times, especially in the cold. The Pledge just ensures the seat is slippery for Mac's test.

What he's saying is in the event of an emergency situation, the person on the slippery seat, without the aid of a seatbelt, will be occupied with trying to stay behind the wheel, not on trying to rectify the situation (power slide) they're in at the moment (trying to straighten out the car to prevent an accident). That will cause a bigger problem for oncoming traffic, and you don't want to be the oncoming traffic.

Try his test. In short order, you'll be in the passenger seat and totally unable to operate the vehicle. I know, I used to have a '75 Buick and got myself into just this situation in a large, open dirt parking lot.



Buckle up or walk.

Amen bruthah! :bows:

[rookie1]

If anyone has an 04 and wants to disable the reminder: The manual is wrong. The amount of clicks immediately following the turning off of the Seatbelt light is 9. follow this by tuning the headlamps on/off then 3 clicks and the airbag light will signal then 1 click .


This is not an endorsement for not wearing belts, nor is it a condemnation for people who choose to.

[greyghost]

This is not an endorsement for not wearing belts, nor is it a condemnation for people who choose to.

Thank You.

[Petrograde]

So how are we paying for it in the for of health insurance?
Woa,.. Someday you're gonna have a job and pay for your own health insurance,.. you'll understand then. I pay over 300 bucks a month for mine. :mad: Many factors go into the price.


Isn't it illegal to drive in almost every state without insurance?
Yes it is.... I'd bet there is a large percentage of people out there are driving without insurance. In many states it is mandatory to pay for 'uninsured motorists' :mad: :down:


we get a law passed that says insurance companies can't punish the rest of us and raise rates because of our deceased friend Nit Wit.
:lol: yeah,..... good luck with that! Insurance Companies are in business. Meaning, the more claims that are made,... the more we all pay. It sucks. But, what can ya do?

My point is, even with the law passed, people who don't won't to wear it won't wear it anyways.
True, However.. it is a law. "do the crime, do the time" ..so to speak. 'Nuff said.


If we got rid of all the stupid bills that go through legislation, we could save a lot more time for real issues, and maybe some taxpayer money.
OK,... Here's what you do. Get good grades, go to collage, then get out there and fix the problems you see. Simple as that. Maybe you'll be on the Republican ticket in 2036.

Tom

[woaface]

Me on the Republican ticket? Imagine that!:lol:

Anyways, how many problems do people with slippery seats cause?

BigDogJ, no one rides in my car without a belt either, nor do I ride without one unless I'm just going down the street in the neighborhood.

My point is, think about the future. Do you want a "random check stop" by some cop when the law says that there's too much fat in the skin of chicken and that it has to be taken off? Society might know what's best, but that doesn't mean it needs to be forced on everyone else. Costing the public money is a fault of socialism...which is a road we shouldn't be starting down.

I don't mind paying my health insurance, I asked "how are we paying for health insurance" I know taxes cover a lot of health care, but health insurance? I never knew it was mandatory in some states for that to be covered too. That's just crazy.

Anyways, it shouldn't be a parent-kid relationship between us and the government. We're not the property of Congress and they have to care for us through "click it or ticket."

I'm a firm believer in wearing mine for safety...sure as a heart attack.

But if JimBob doesn't wanna wear his and he hits a tree and dies or breaks a leg. Sucks for him. So maybe it's a scandal, Insurance companies don't report their customers who might possibly be driving around without insurance to the feds. They want them to get hurt, they'll get the money from somewhere, but they won't loose it having to pay for his busted self....

[MapleLeafMerc]

My point is, think about the future. Do you want a "random check stop" by some cop when the law says that there's too much fat in the skin of chicken and that it has to be taken off? Society might know what's best, but that doesn't mean it needs to be forced on everyone else. Costing the public money is a fault of socialism...which is a road we shouldn't be starting down.

If health costs are brought into the seatbelt discussion, I think it is logical and fair to look at other lifestyle choices that involve health costs, such as the fatty chicken skin that they say can lead to heart trouble. And THAT is the slippery slope I referred to before. If voters encourage their government to monitor and punish those who don't avoid extra health costs (like seat belt usage), why wouldn't and shouldn't the government then be inclined to examine each and everyone's food and recreation choices?


I don't mind paying my health insurance, I asked "how are we paying for health insurance" I know taxes cover a lot of health care, but health insurance? I never knew it was mandatory in some states for that to be covered too. That's just crazy.

Anyways, it shouldn't be a parent-kid relationship between us and the government. We're not the property of Congress...

I didn't think it was mandatory for Americans to buy health insurance, either. What I can say is that as a Canadian, (with mandatory, government run health care), I have MUCH, MUCH more experience in living under parent-child socialism than any of you who have only lived in the US. And I can state with confidence that removing lifestyle choices (via governmental regulation) does NOT lead to societal nirvana. I would be happy to outline how much I pay in income taxes to get the wonderful 'universal health care' we have, and then to further explain how this system leads to the longest waiting lists among developed countries. How does 5-15 weeks wait for an MRI sound?


I'm a firm believer in wearing mine for safety...

So am I. I just want you all to realize that asking government to make health care better and cheaper with laws does NOT work. Be careful what you wish for... :)

[MarauderMark]

Threads like this are great for teaching.some of ya'll had accidents , thrown outta a truck , dont like to wear seat belts , or the best Pledge on the leather seat (#1) lmao.
I never use to wear them until my kids started drivingand when they were out driving i would worry something bad. all kinds of thoughts go through your head.so i taught them well and like bigdog said no belt no ride!!!!

[woaface]

If health costs are brought into the seatbelt discussion, I think it is logical and fair to look at other lifestyle choices that involve health costs, such as the fatty chicken skin that they say can lead to heart trouble. And THAT is the slippery slope I referred to before. If voters encourage their government to monitor and punish those who don't avoid extra health costs (like seat belt usage), why wouldn't and shouldn't the government then be inclined to examine each and everyone's food and recreation choices?Because people need to be able to eat what they like. It's easy to lie with statistics and dictate what's bad for everyone. I'm talking future here...it might not be a slippery slope, but it's a slope downward. Do you want to eat only rabbit food for the rest of your life? What if someone like Adkins comes around and shows that it's not the fat people, it's too much of something else? He'd get hushed up in half a second...or in China imprisoned. Ideas grow with competition, even if the idea is right or good...it grows with competition.



I didn't think it was mandatory for Americans to buy health insurance, either. What I can say is that as a Canadian, (with mandatory, government run health care), I have MUCH, MUCH more experience in living under parent-child socialism than any of you who have only lived in the US. And I can state with confidence that removing lifestyle choices (via governmental regulation) does NOT lead to societal nirvana. I would be happy to outline how much I pay in income taxes to get the wonderful 'universal health care' we have, and then to further explain how this system leads to the longest waiting lists among developed countries. How does 5-15 weeks wait for an MRI sound? I certainlty won't disagree with you having more experience in a parent-child government. What about China, where the government controls everything. They aren't exactly doing well finacially. This isn't just food or seatbelts...what about Germany where they've banned even personal religious symbols from being worn in colleges. Why is it up to someone else to decided for you? Why can't you decided for yourself what's right, as long as you dont' endanger other people. If not wearing a seatbelt risks the lives of others, then it should be law that people wear them, but I don't think there's evidence to support that. I don't think parents have a choice over their kids though, should be just like voting, 18 to make that choice. Just like you said man, socialism doesn't work, and waiting forever for an MRI is completely stupid. I didn't even knew it took that long, I've seen my mom need one and get it in 2 hours.




So am I. I just want you all to realize that asking government to make health care better and cheaper with laws does NOT work. Be careful what you wish for... :) The government does too much. By the way, too many Americans don't participate in their owning of the government...I wonder how many kids don't realize what's theirs.

[woaface]

Now that I think about it though, this was the wrong place to do this, if I could delete my posts I would...