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Here in England, as we endure the seemingly never-ending inquest into the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, one thing has become crystal clear. Disregard all the hype about plots to murder the couple because they were about to marry and maybe have a child together. Read my lips: they died because they didn't fasten their seat belts. Diana's bodyguard, Trevor Rhys Jones was the only survivor of the crash. He was also the only person in that doomed car who was wearing a seat belt, and he was in the front of the car, which took the brunt of the impact. It's hardly rocket science now, is it?

Too often, our lawmaking machine intervenes where it's not wanted. But there are times when the State has a moral duty to protect certain individuals from their own stupidity, and legislation on wearing seat belts is a classic example. The laws governing the wearing of seat belts are designed to protect the majority. If they offend a minority, hey, that's democracy for you!

So you think it's your human right not to wear a seat belt? It is also your human responsibility not to endanger the lives of others. Picture this: you are a back seat passenger, sans seat belt. The car whacks into the back of the vehicle in front. You fly through the air, breaking the neck of the front seat passenger who WAS wearing a seat belt and would have survived the accident but for your selfishness. Never mind your human rights. What about the human right of that front seat passenger to stay alive? And no, I'm not scaremongering. This scenario has been reported on too many occasions. The irresponsible one walks away, but it's lights out for the innocent party. Is that fair? I think not.

If one could guarantee that no other person would suffer because of the decision of another human being not to wear a seatbelt, I would say 'Go ahead then, kill yourself, saddo!' But that decision has the potential to impact on too many other road users. Remember with rights come responsibilities. And we all have the duty to make the world a safer place for those we share it with. So belt up about your human rights, and belt up your seat belt every time you climb into a car. You know it makes sense.

Learn more about this author, Sandra Piddock.
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