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I actually don't quite know why seatbelts are mandatory. Of course not wearing one is a terrible idea. But smoking isn't banned, neither is walking drunk in cl

I actually don't quite know why seatbelts are mandatory. Of course not wearing one is a terrible idea. But smoking isn't banned, neither is walking drunk in cliff paths. It is also one of those things where the damage is pretty much entirely to yourself. I see some exceptions, namely mandatory seatbelts for children (who benefit from enhanced protection of the state) and protecting first responders - though if you flew out of your car due to not wearing a seatbelt, I don't think you'll need any aid at all. There are some comparisons to face masks in this thread, but I don't think they apply since face masks at least in theory protected others, even more than that oneself. So... Why?

_kulang 3y ago
If you were one of many passengers and not wearing your seatbelt then you become a projectile inside the cabin. Wearing your seatbelt is important to the safety of others. If you are on your own in your own car, I suppose you don’t have to wear the seatbelt. Same as not wearing a mask when you’re alone
rootusrootus 3y ago
> Why? So you have a prayer of staying in control of your car in the event you have to execute an emergency maneuver. If you're struggling to even stay in the seat, you are not in control of that two ton hunk of steel hurtling down the road.