Cabs are exempt from seat belt laws. Some people get in a cab and forget the laws of physics still apply. I always buckle up, whether it’s mandatory or not.
Good Lord. ESPECIALLY in a cab!
You’re right to buckle up regardless of whether it’s legally required. Just remember General Patton who was mortally injured in a car accident that happened at about 20 m.p.h. when he wasn’t wearing a seat belt, none being available for cars in 1945 or 1946.
I don’t live in NY but I can imagine how sticky and dirty a cab’s seat belt would be.