I remember a time when seat belts were optional when driving or riding in a car. When I started driving, I always used a seat belt. I think our drivers ed instructor made us wear it while driving and riding. If you were in the car with some of those beginner drivers, you were happy to wear that seat belt. I clearly remember when this one girl in our group had to drive. I think it was her first time driving...ever. She pulled out of school onto a major street. All the cars are driving the speed limit, 40mph while our driver was going 10 mph. I sat in the back seat with another girl, and we could see cars flying by us and coming up fast behind our car. We had our seat belts on and all we could do was pray silently.
A few years later, Illinois police officers started pulling people over for not wearing a seat belt. This was the start of the "Safe Driver" program. I remember being in the kitchen and having my dad tell me that I should make sure I'm always wearing a seat belt when driving. Before I was able to answer, my dad proceeds to tell me a story.
My Uncle George was driving his car and was pulled over for not wearing his seat belt. He was given a ticket for 80 dollars. My dad said if I get pulled over for not wearing a seat belt, then I would have to pay the ticket.
At the time, $80 was a lot of money, especially when you are making $3.35/hour at a part time job. I decided to wear the seat belt and save myself $80.
A little side note. My dad was never a big fan of the seat belt. I'm not 100% sure he used it all of the time when driving, but, hey, that was his $80 gamble.
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