Are Masks and Vaxs the New Seat Belt?
The past two years - unlike any before it in the U.S. - was full of opinions, conflicting information, and divisiveness (mentally and physically). Sometimes it was hard to know what to think or to believe. With all the conflicting information swirling news feeds and social media – pandemic issues (health, masks, vaccines, etc.), full blown civil unrest, politics, and cancel culture, it’s enough to test even the most zen among us.
Since we are auto related, it seems appropriate to revisit the use of the seat belts, and speed limits. You may not remember, but there once was a time when neither of these were enforced into law. But not unlike many controversial topics on the table lately, laws surrounding driver freedoms were eventually decided upon decades ago to essentially save us from ourselves, and to endorse safety for all.
Speed Limits Why?
The whole country should have free reign to speed anywhere like on the Autobahn in Europe, why not? Sounds like a nice idea – we definitely have a lead foot that would appreciate higher speed limits everywhere, but unfortunately it is not that simple.
Speed limits in the U.S. trickle back to the 1600s, but with most activity occurring in the 1900s, the purpose today is mainly safety. If there are hazards on the road or during certain weather, drivers need to be alerted to safely use the caution necessary. If sharp curves, construction, or potholes are present, speed limits and signs can help drivers advert these challenges.
Also, in the name of safety, consequences for drivers who pay no attention to warnings or speed limits and endanger other drivers or pedestrians need to be held accountable. Speeding in a construction zone with workers present? Probably not smart. Speeding over potholes, popping a tire and careening into other traffic can happen in seconds if going too fast. Skidding around a curve due to speed and hitting another car who then spins off a cliff. Yikes. Speed kills, yes both kinds. If a loved one was the victim of one of these scenarios, I am sure justice would be sought, so it is important for speed limits to be regulated and enforced under law.
Seat Belts Were Resisted
Resistance to safety measures! Gah! Even new vehicles are designed to annoyingly beep at us as we drive without our seatbelts – technology is controlling us! No, rather technology is helping us to be smart. It is all perspective.
When David Hollister introduced a seat belt bill in Michigan in the early 1980s that levied a fine for not buckling up, the state representative received hate mail comparing him to Hitler. At the time, only 14 percent of Americans regularly wore seat belts, even though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) required lap and shoulder belts in all new cars starting in 1968.
Resistance to the life-saving devices at the time was the norm. …continue reading here
Seat Belts, Speed Limits, Masks, Vaxs… Whether you agree they are for the greater good, or not, come visit us, forget the noise, and get your wheels repaired, glossed, or colored. Now is a great time and you and your vehicle deserve it!
Why not roll into 2022 with some sparkly wheels, and good juju?
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