Today, in the United States, freedoms that we all have are greatly coveted. But what if the freedom of choice involves the safety of not only yourself but those around you? The various state laws regarding seatbelts are an example of the struggle between our basic freedoms as Americans, and the burden of doing the right thing for everyone’s sake. The two texts before us, although differing opinions, both deserve to be read and understood.
To begin with, the author of, “Repeal Seatbelt Laws”, concedes that,”...seatbelts themselves are not the problem” and “...they have been shown to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities caused by automobile accidents.” The author’s gripe is clearly about being forced to wear a seatbelt, and not about the usefullness of the seatbelt itself. He goes on to strongly state that seatbelt laws,”...rob Americans of their freedom to live their lives as they see fit.” He also points out that people may grudgingly wear a seatbelt but that will not guarantee that they that they won’t drive recklessly. They are all valid points seen from one perspective. …show more content…
This text is less opinionated and less passionate than the first. It plods along at a steady pace and informs the reader not of his freedoms but the absolute importance of wearing your seatbelt. The author uses a great number of exact statistics: “According to the National Highway Safety Administration, seatbelts saved 12, 718 lives in 2009” and “In California, for example, seatbelt use increased from 20% to just 40% after the state passed a seatbelt law in
To begin with, the author of, “Repeal Seatbelt Laws”, concedes that,”...seatbelts themselves are not the problem” and “...they have been shown to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities caused by automobile accidents.” The author’s gripe is clearly about being forced to wear a seatbelt, and not about the usefullness of the seatbelt itself. He goes on to strongly state that seatbelt laws,”...rob Americans of their freedom to live their lives as they see fit.” He also points out that people may grudgingly wear a seatbelt but that will not guarantee that they that they won’t drive recklessly. They are all valid points seen from one perspective. …show more content…
This text is less opinionated and less passionate than the first. It plods along at a steady pace and informs the reader not of his freedoms but the absolute importance of wearing your seatbelt. The author uses a great number of exact statistics: “According to the National Highway Safety Administration, seatbelts saved 12, 718 lives in 2009” and “In California, for example, seatbelt use increased from 20% to just 40% after the state passed a seatbelt law in