Sixty percent of Americans who died in car crashes in 2001 weren't wearing seat belts, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That same year, only 67 percent of Hoosiers bothered to buckled up.
Since then, that number has increased to 72 percent, the highest seat-belt usage rate in Indiana's history. This increase is largely due to improved enforcement and advertising by law enforcement agencies in recent years.
This year is no exception; Indiana is taking part in the nationwide Click It or Ticket program from May 19 to June 1.
Click It or Ticket, which came to the state last year, does not violate personal rights as some might say. Officers pull vehicles over only when they see someone improperly restrained or committing another traffic violation. The program does not involve an illegal search.
Furthermore, the decision to forego seat belts is not merely a personal choice. It affects entire communities, and sometimes personal freedom of choice must give way to the greater good. The government is entirely justified in its decision to make and enforce seat-belt laws.
According to the NHTSA, seat belts saved $585 billion in medical and other costs. If more Americans had buckled up, up to $913 billion could've been saved. That kind of economic impact is certainly in the business interests of the government.
Drivers and passengers who refuse to protect themselves also put others at physical risk. This reduces the odds that they will be able to assist others injured in a crash. Surely, our government has a right to protect citizens from harm with laws that encourage safety, even when that means making citizens more able to help others and forcing parents to set a good example.
Click It or Ticket isn't part of a vast conspiracy to destroy personal rights. It's a simple and obvious attempt to save lives, money and resources.
So, buckle up.
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