Reply #70: how is it paternalistic?

[GreenArrow]

Because it treats people like property, statistics, and children.

It's not possible to drive safely without looking out the window, but it is possible to drive safely without a seatbelt.

Educate people to the safety aspects of seat belts, encourage their use, but draw the line at legislating it. However, if the powers that be want to ensure that people wear their seat belts, they can insist that all new vehicles made be made with some sort of anti-start mechanism that prevents the car from starting when safety belts are unlatched. Of course, it's easier to impinge upon individuals than it is to impinge on corporations.