OK, OK. I’ll start doing it. Wearing a seat-belt, that is. It doesn’t occur to me most of the time. That is, until I read this piece about an anti-seatbelt advocate who died in a car accident…as a result of not wearing a seatbelt.
I confess, I typically don’t wear one. Since Parker was born, I’ve taken to riding in the back seat with him when we’re travelling by car as a family. He, of course, is buckled up in his carseat. I tend to have to move around a bit, whether it’s to pick something up from the floor of the car, if he’s dropped it, to giving him a snack or a drink of that’s what it takes to keep him reasonably happy during the trip.
I don’t have any particular problem with wearing one. It just doesn’t occur to me to put one on when I’m in the back seat, but I will from now on. Not only to potentially save my own life—I’d really like to be around to see my son grow up—but also to set an example for him.
But, I have one question. Does this mean I have to start making my bed in the morning, too?
Reading this post caused me to tense up and feel nauseous for my own personal reasons – last year, a friend of mine was killed pulling out of a parking lot when he was hit by another car. He had a habit of starting up and going and then finally putting on his seat belt. Even the quickest trip around the corner puts you at risk. Please, please, please use your seatbelt. I would hate for your loved ones to go through what we all did last year (not to mention your own safety!).
Wow, I take for granted that everyone just instictively puts on their seatbelt like I do as one of the first things done when getting in a car. I don’t recall when this became a habit (good one), but now, its rare that I even start up the car before my seatbelt is buckled.
I was in a car accident when I was about 10 where my sister rear ended a Lincoln Continental at about 20mph, and I have no doubt that the seat belts saved us both from major injury.
Not even two years ago I was probaby saved by a seatbelt. Dad said he wasn’t moving till I put mine on. Not even 5 seconds later we were rear-ended by a reckless punk swerving. He didn’t care that it was a dim, wet street. Everyone in the car was shaken up, but OK.
Just last night a church member recounted his harrowing accident. He was side-swiped by another car and after spinning 360 degrees, the car flipped and rolled twice. He has no doubt that seatbelts saved him and his partner.
If not your sake, wear a seat-belt for Parker’s. Promise us!
Not to worry. I do hereby solemnly swear that I will buckle up every time I’m in the car from now on. No lie. The thought of not being able to see my son grow up, or not being able to run and play with him is enough to make the case.
Glad to hear that dude!
Gary was going to test drive a used truck and asked me to ride along because I know more about cars than he does. As he reached to put the key in the ignition I put my hand on his and said you’re no going anywhere till you buckle your belt. He did but only because I won’t ride in a car till everybody buckles up and he knows I can be an asshole about it.
Two blocks later he hit an icy patch lost control and flipped the truck over a guardrail and we rolled down a hill. I have no idea how many times we rolled, I lost count at five. The truck now totaled ended up on its tires and both of us lay there battered and beaten. Laying there unable to even remove ourselves from the truck we waited for rescue.
Gary looked over at me and said ” The only reason I’m alive is because you made me buckle my belt” I looked back at him and said, May I assume I’ll never have to remind you again?
That was 20 years ago and I’ve never had to remind him. His belt is buckled before the car goes in gear.
Please don’t let Parker grow up without a daddy…
I know I’m kicking a man while he’s down… but just to drive home the point, its not just for your sake (to live) or to let Parker have a dad for a long time…
an unbelted passenger also becomes a big rolling boulder in a crashing car, crushing other passengers and seriously injuring them or worse.
buckle up before you start the car. please. make it a big huge habit.