<VV> Re: Shoulder Harnesses + Philosophy, but no Corvair

[AeroNed at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/9/2005 6:54:52 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
sheridanma at adelphia.net writes:

Bob's  comment:
> Over the years my views have evolved from thinking that  motorcycle helmet 
> laws and mandatory seat belt laws were intrusive  nannyism, to now thinking 
> that they are correct.  Reason:   When you bash your unhelmeted head on the 
> road or plaster your  unbelted body into the windshield, publicly-funded 
> emergency services  come to your aid.  If I'm going to pay to pick you up 
> and cart  you to the hospital or morgue, I get to say what you should have 
> done  to protect yourself.

It should be the same for insurance and law suits  too. Just because I cause 
a minor accident, and the driver becomes  paralyzed from it because he didn't 
have his seat belt on, I shouldn't be  liable for all his medical expenses 
and pay damages. Insurance and medical  care are expensive enough.



I agree that seatbelt laws are correct. What I don't understand is how some  
states, like Kansas, can require that you wear a seatbelt and have you kid in  
some sort of crash proof capsule, while the motorcyclists can ride without a  
helmet, proper shoes or other clothing. I can't remember how many times I've  
seen a young kid wearing shorts, no shirt, no shoes or just "flip-flops" and 
of  course no helmet. These kids are usually seen zipping through "traffic" 
(if  Kansas has traffic) on a crotch rocket.
 
As for the limiting of liability, dream on. In the general aviation  
industry, we have been subjected to seeming ridiculous lawsuits for decades.  Some of 
my favorites; the guy who flew into power lines, family members sued  because 
the wires cut the wings off the plane and "that's just not right," a guy  took 
off with about a gallon of fuel on a cross country flight, family sued  
because the "plane should have had a bigger low fuel warning light." These are  
just a small sample.
 
For some Corvair content...I installed shoulder belts in "The Deer Hunter"  
and a body harness in my current silver coupe. I also have aftermarket seats  
installed. I was careful to install these seats properly, at least I think  so.
 
Ned