[the OlLine Rebel]

The speed limit, at least (though tenuous), deals with people’s RECKLESS BEHAVIOR possibly ENDANGERING other people’s lives.

Seat belts or not do NOT endanger another person’s life.

No matter all the domino-effect circular nonsense the supporters come up with.

[VeritatisSplendor]

You're absolutely right about the distinction between endangering your life and endangering another person's life. Medical insurance is not an excuse to restrict the freedom of people who didn't ask for the state to pay for their medical insurance. Therefore, I think laws requiring ADULT motorcyclists to wear helmets are wrong.

However, there is an additional point regarding seat belts. If you are wearing a seatbelt, you are more likely to be able to maintain control of the car in an accident, because you don't get thrown around after an impact or a swerve. This DOES affect the safety of other people. So I can justify seatbelt laws.