Slugs Refusing to Wear Seatbelts

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   I've sat in the back where the buckle has fallen under the seat cushions and I couldn't buckle up.  Has made for some uncomfortable commutes to/from work.   If I can't sit in the front seat, I pass the ride up.  My life is more important than riding in a car without a seat belt.

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Jody Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jody Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15 Jun 2007 at 8:34am
	I've sat in the back where the buckle has fallen under the seat cushions and I couldn't buckle up. Has made for some uncomfortable commutes to/from work. If I can't sit in the front seat, I pass the ride up. My life is more important than riding in a car without a seat belt.

Galah Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote Galah Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 Jun 2007 at 11:04am
	Unbuckled backseat passengers become missles upon impact and endanger the front seat passengers (not to mention the medical liability you assume for their prolonged recovery after they pass through the windscreen of your vehicle at 60+ mph)

Scroll Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 08 May 2005 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote Scroll Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 Jun 2007 at 10:12am
	I had a slug not buckle up in my back seat last week. I asked him to buckle up, and he said VA law didn't require. I politely/firmly told him, "Perhaps, but I insist on it in my vehicle. Please buckle up." He did so, and that was the end of that. Scroll

CallmeMrSlug Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 21 Mar 2005 Location: Virginia Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote CallmeMrSlug Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 Jun 2007 at 10:05am
	I got this from Va DMV web site: Virginia law states that law enforcement can cite anyone driving a vehicle in which an occupant through age 15 is not wearing a seat belt or is not properly restrained in a child safety seat. Further, the law also provides that drivers stopped for other violations can be cited if they are not buckled up. This also applies to all front seat passengers 16 years and over. Thus, it appears that the law does not apply to persons riding in the back seat. However, you are the driver of the vehicle, and will be held responsible for injuries to the occupants of the vehicle should an accident occur. You have every right to insist that your passengers buckle up for this reason alone. Additionally, an insurance company may cause unnecessary aggravation during a claim if you allowed your riders not to buckle up.

go2grl Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Location: virginia Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote go2grl Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 Jun 2007 at 10:00am
	This is what I found for seat belt laws in our area: DC's seat belt law requires the driver and all passengers to be properly buckled up at all times, in the front and back seats. This requirement applies to passengers in all vehicles, including taxicabs. As with child safety seat violations, District law allows police to stop a vehicle solely because drivers and passengers are not properly buckled. In Virginia, seat belt laws for passengers only apply to children up to 16. Regardless of the law, you have every right to require your passengers to wear their seat belts. Even if it isn't required, if you get into an accident it not only protects the person wearing the belt, but others in the car as well.

achall Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote achall Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 Jun 2007 at 9:54am
	What is the State Law in VA and DC regarding wearing of seatbelts? I picked up a slug yesterday who wanted to know the answer to this when I reminded him to put on his seatbelt. I told him I didn't know, but it was a good idea anyway. His indicated since he was in the back seat he didn't think VA law required him to wear a seat belt. He eventually put it on and was not a happy camper and slammed the door when I dropped him off. I guess he didn't like being forced by the driver to wear his seatbelt. The way I feel, it's my vehicle and any passenger in it is going to wear their seatbelt regardless of what any state law says, but I guess some of our esteemed slugs feel differently.