[miniyup]

Of course most of us driving a small, but substantial car like a MINI always wear our seatbelts. You may want to pass this URL along to your family and friends that may be in cars that are not as capable as a very graphic but tasteful (no gore) reminder of the need to always buckle up.

This came from BP.

http://www.metrodigital.tv/clevermedia/bp/

[obehave]

Very cool.
Thanks

[Paul]

I cant believe people will drive without belts on. It's just madness.

[StevePSB]

I'd possibly be dead now (or at least a lot more seriously injured) if I weren't wearing my seatbelt last Thursday...

[Morty]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

I cant believe people will drive without belts on. It's just madness.

I used too
But not anymore
It's a habit now, I attach it automatically.

[Theo]

Anyone who has driven a car in competition or has had the misfortune of an accident knows the value of seatbelts.

I am always amused by the arguments presented in opposing views. The best one is "I want to be thrown free of the vehicle to avoid injury". Now really..."thrown free" through the windscreen or side window? "Throw free" into what ... the other car, a tree, the roadway...at 60-70 mph?

However, not wearing seatbelts does have one advantage...it helps to spot those who insist on proving the theory of "natural selection".

My 2 pence!

Theo

[Bob's MCS]

I don't even think about it anymore. When I put on my seatbelt each day I don't say to myself "safety first...I better wear my seatbelt." Now it's just completely become habit. If I get in and don't have it on yet, I won't even start the car. Something just doesn't feel right without it on.

Besides other than keeping your head from slamming into your steering wheel or the windshield in an accident, it keeps you in your seat during hard cornerning. Driving would be really annoying without it.

[Casey]

there is some times when wearing a seatbelt can cause more harm or even death, but these types of accidents are 1 in a million or more.

[EBMCS03]

Good video... ed-u-ma-cate everyone... I wear seatbelts all the time... I feel weird not having one in the car...

[Casey]

i agree it does feel wierd - i'm so in the habit of wearing them - if I back my car out of the garage moving it ten feet I notice i still put it on...just habit

[SugarBelly]

I remember a comedian... talkin' about how his Dad always wanted to be "thrown clear" in the event of an accident.

In opposition to Dad's thinking, he devised a new Seatbelt Alert System. Rather than a "dummy light" flashing when a seatbelt isn't being used, the realizes a dummy is present & the seat-back itself is suddenly thrust forward, smacking the seat occupants noggin into the steering wheel or dash.

Perhaps a more aggressive approach to getting folks to buckle-up, - but I bet it leaves a lasting impression!
All puns intended.

[chiph]

I can attest to the life-saving power of the seatbelt. While I was stationed in Germany in the mid-80's, my roommate and I decided to go to Cologne to buy some CDs. As we're going down B254 in the Eiffel region, it begins snowing. A little while later my roommate (who was driving) says "Here we go", and we slide sideways across oncoming traffic into a farmer's field. We sloooowly roll onto the roof of the car and slide some more, eventually coming to a stop.

Both of us are hanging by our seatbelts, and all the usual junk in the car has fallen around us, and is now on the roof. The engine is still running (but doesn't sound so good), so he shuts it off. After a couple of "Oh *****s", we go to unbuckle, and discover that even with both arms braced, you cannot support your weight without your elbows being locked. This is where I got my cut - I landed on my camera and cut my cheek a bit. My door wouldn't open, so we crawl out his, to find an audience --- the other drivers who watched us wreck.

My roommate stayed with the car (German law), and I went back to base to arrange for a towtruck. I get back with the truck, and he's convinced a truck full of Bundeswehr soldiers to push it back onto it's wheels, but we needed the towtruck anyway to tow it back to the road. Amazingly, it started, but the fan had cut the alternator belt. We had just enough power left in the battery to get back to the base.

I like to think that if I hadn't been wearing my seatbelt I would have had a lot more damage than just a cut to my cheek. And I *always* buckle up now, even if I'm just moving the car on the driveway.

Chip H.

[randap]

Quote: Originally Posted by UCSDxB0i

Good video... ed-u-ma-cate everyone... I wear seatbelts all the time... I feel weird not having one in the car...

Some people argue that a seatbelt "prevents them from moving around". They tend to be boy-racers who think they can drive. If "moving around" was a requirement for excellent car control and fast paced driving, why do rally drivers have 6-point harnesses?

Personally, I like the pressure of a seatbelt, makes me feel more secure. Driving without one just feels wierd (and stupid), and is a cool as driving while using a mobile phone.

[Aurel]

When younger, i used to drive without one as well.

Now I always buckle up ... actually feel weird and naked without one. Also I think seatbelts help under normal driving conditions to keep you glued to the seat so to speak.