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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Visionaries:</FONT></DIV>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">I have two terms on the
Transportation and Defense Committee of the Idaho Legislature.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The issue of seat belts has received
considerable attention.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Given the
leanings of many members of that committee, the prevailing opinion on the
committee has been consistent with what some posts express here – it should be
up to adults whether or not to wear them.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Personally, I think this involves
more than an adult’s decision to risk the consequences of failing to wear a seat
belt.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There are such issues as
potential long term care, loss of loved ones, loss of wage earners, etc.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I believe this implies emotional costs,
healthcare costs, and possible public assistance – costs inflicted upon many
people other than the victim of the accident.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Also, I think any survivor of an
accident resulting in serious injury or death would carry the memory of it
forever, affecting the rest of that person’s life.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For these reasons, I favor stronger seat
belt legislation.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">This discussion reminds me of
another part of Idaho Code that I find troublesome.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In a moving vehicle, an infant may be
removed from the protective restraining seat to be fed, or to tend to other
needs.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>(Clearly, if there is
a life-threatening emergency, this may be necessary while the driver takes
appropriate action.)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>However, I
think of the dire potential consequences should there be an accident.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It seems to me that a person should find
a place to pull to the side of the road, or to leave the road in order to safely
tend to an infant’s or child’s normal needs.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I think this part of Idaho Code needs to
be changed.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>(Title 49, Chapter 6 –
49-672)</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Rep. Shirley
Ringo</P></DIV></BODY></HTML>