[Gabz]

The dept of transportation is saving lives and i applaud them for it.

apparently not, according to an article in my local paper this morning.

According to The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, 922 persons were killed in 837 motor vehicle related crashes in 2004. Of those, 421 persons were unrestrained.

You do the math, more people died while wearing seat belts than while not.

[Badray]

You do the math, more people died while wearing seat belts than while not.

Gabz, it's worse than that. 99% of all accidents were caused by drivers licenced by the state to operate motor vehicles on the highway at lethal speeds. ;-)

[GregoryFul]

Your misdirection is absurd. I expect that the proportion of automobile occupants wearing seat belts is much higher that those not wearing seat belts. I expect that if you adjust for that statistic, you will find that wearing seat belts is a life saving practice.

That doesn't mean I'm in favor of the government having the right to mandate that individuals do everything that may increase his chances for a long, healthy life - in fact, I believe that should be left up to an individual.