Does everyone wear seat belts? It's a question that children hear repeated every time their parents start the vehicle. Seat belt laws are nevertheless enforced in forty-nine of fifty states; parents say it over and over to keep us safe rather than just following the law. Beginning in the 1930s, doctors determined that a lap belt should be used in automobiles to prevent serious injury or death. Over the years, the simple two-point lap belt has evolved into a multi-point seat belt used for many different types of driving. Race car drivers typically use a five-point harness. However, for normal daily driving, the three-point knee and shoulder combination "is considered the safest version and is the one found in most vehicles today" ("Seat Belts") , 2010). Seat belts are the primary prevention against ejected passengers. Opponents argue that wearing a seat belt should be a personal choice, not mandated by law. Proponents support the initial theory; it's safer to stay within the confines of the vehicle for added protection. It is imperative that seat belt laws be enforced to increase seat belt use, decrease motor vehicle-related injuries and deaths, and reduce medical and health costs. insurance claims for automobile accidents. To begin with, it is entirely appropriate that the government requires regulations requiring automobile manufacturers to install safety restraints. “The National HighwayTransportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recognized for many years that motor vehicle crashes are responsible for ninety percent of all transportation-related deaths that are caused by motor vehicle crashes” (Roeber , 2008). Additionally, state law believes it is appropriate to enforce laws... middle of paper ... elements should be happy to have the choice. They can save lives in their vehicle or take their chances by receiving a ticket. The choice is theirs. I made my choice and I choose prevention over cure. Works Cited Balaker, T. (2008). Seat belt laws are unnecessary. Retrieved from the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center database. Higgins, K. (2010). Primary seat belt enforcement laws are beneficial. Cars in America. Retrieved from Opposing Viewpoints.Roeber Resource Center database. DE (2008). Seat belts reduce road deaths. Retrieved from the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center database. “Seat belts”. (2010). In Current Issues. Retrieved from the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center database Tilton, B. (2010). Seat belt laws are intrusive. Cars in America. Retrieved from the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center database.