> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net
> [mailto:owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net]On Behalf Of Zachary
> Burcham
> Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 2004 8:49 AM
> To: dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
> Subject: DML: RE: Seatbelts, airbags and helmets
>
>
> don't think they are all bad, but they needed to do a lot more
> R&D on them
> before they started throwing them in cars.
>
> motorcycle fatality stories involve a car pulling out on the
> bike. So while
> helmet laws are great, serious education for the normal guy would
> save many
> more lives.
>
> Zach Burcham
Thanks everyone. I guess my fears of airbags have some merit after all.
I'm glad to find out I wasn't having them unnecessarily. I'm sure they do
save lives and I agree with you that there needs to be more R&D on them. My
personal views on both seatbelts and helmets may be a little strange, but
they are my opinions and I don't really expect everyone to agree with them.
There are always multiple sides to every story and you can't please everyone
in the world.
I would personally not mind if there wasn't a law forcing people to do this,
but in exchange... for those that chose not to use them and they are in an
accident... they would automatically not be entitled to insurance coverage
for both vehicle and health. I don't think it's fair that those that do use
them to have to pay any kind of increase in medical/vehicle insurance
payments or an increase in taxes. It just doesn't sit well with me to have
to cover the cost for those that chose not to. I say... they should have
freedom of choice, but must accept the consequences of their actions in the
event of an accident. It's not a perfect solution, as enforcing it would be
next to impossible. But to me, it sounds more fair. Be responsible for
your choices. I know, I know... that would be impossible in today's
world... just a personal dream of mine for more fairness... even if it may
sound delusional.
I am always aware of motorcycles on the road and I know they have equal
rights to the road as well. I guess I'm more aware of them because I like
to check out their bike at the same time... hehehehe.
But what ticks me off... is bicycles. Plain 'ole pedal yourself bikes. What
annoys me the most is not that they use bikes ... but use the same roads
that motorized vehicles pay for with their driver's license, plates, and
plate stickers, fuel, etc. When you're driving in rush hour traffic on the
narrow roads of downtown Toronto, you have to drive to provide safety for
the bike couriers, pleasure bikers, and those choosing to bike their way to
work. I'm all for using alternate methods of transportation... both health
wise and economic reasons. What I hate... is that anyone can use the roads.
They don't have to pass any tests to prove they can handle their bike
safely.
Sometimes they can be a major cause of traffic congestion if the roads are
narrow and naturally they can't keep up with the flow of traffic. Some
weave in and out of traffic or don't stay close to the curb. When traffic
is busy, you can't always change lanes to avoid them or give them more
space. Instead you are forced to slow down to their pace and in turn
everyone behind you must slow down as well. Honking your horn to remind
them to move over doesn't usually work and can have adverse effects in some
cases. Then everyone's stress levels start rising all due to one biker.
It's too bad that there aren't more lanes specifically for bikers. Maybe
one day this will become more popular.
Norah Bleazard http://www.bleazard.net Burlington, Ontario
hers: '01 Dakota Sport 4x4, 4.7 V8, Auto, Quad Cab, black (Black Diamond)
prev: '98 Dakota Sport 4x4, 5.2 V8, Auto, Club Cab, black (Black Widow)
prev: '95 Dakota Sport 4x2, 3.9 V6, Auto, Club Cab, black (Black Ice)
prev: '93 Dakota Sport 4x2, 3.9 V6, Auto, Club Cab, electric blue
(Enterprise)
his: '95 Dakota Sport 4x4, 3.9 V6, 5spd, Reg. Cab, white (White Knight)
ours: '96 Dakota - Golden Retriever
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