Seatbelt My Choice

It's 2 am, and I am just writing because I'm confused. I understand that seat-belts are in cars for the safety of the passengers in case of an accident. I understand that people wear helmets when riding a bike or roller blading to protect the person using them.

I do not however understand how it is not my choice to utilize these safety devices. If someone can explain to me why these are enforced by law, I will gladly pay my ticket for not wearing a seatbelt, which is a first for me.

My reason for not wearing my seatbelt tonight, is that I was tired, in a friend's car, and did not know where it was. Maybe my reasons are not sufficient, but I do believe that if I can have an abortion, jump off a bridge (bungee jumping), or ski down a hill, all of which are a potential hazards, that I shouldn't be able to choose what else I can do for myself. So please write back to me, don't just point at the law and say that it is so. I want a REASON for it all.

-A.B.