EDUCATION CONTINUES ON NEED FOR SEAT BELTS

In the perpetual debate of government over public interest versus individual rights, there seems a natural disadvantage for the former's position. Individuals want the responsibility of their own risky behavior while the government is left to take the role of mother hen, fretting over the public well-being. The debate over seat beat laws and efforts toward their compliance draws in this conflict. And, where it is not the case with all issues, governments have a valid concern, for the sake of the general welfare, to see that people are strapped in while traveling in cars.

The fact is that few people blanch at governmental interference in certain areas of public safety. Most think it is proper that public inspectors regularly check on the safety of thrill rides at theme parks. In most cases, however, a thrill ride moves slower and is more rigidly controlled than an automobile traveling on an interstate highway. Still, some people resist the notion that government should advise them on the use of seat belts. More often, it is simple laziness that leads to the non-use, not some philosophical difference.

A legitimate case can be made for the government's intervention. In a meeting last week, members of the law enforcement and medical communities got together to stress the use of seat belts and child restraint seats. Perhaps the most compelling case was made by a local pediatrician, a man who has had to deal with the results of children's injuries from automobile accidents. He pointed out that the deaths and injuries not only take a heavy emotional toll on individuals and our society, but they carry tangible costs for taxpayers, who often must foot the bill for this neglect. The bottom line is that many of the automotive deaths and injuries are preventable; citizens need to do their part to see they are prevented.

So, what is the role of government in protecting people from their own folly? At least in the case of seat belts, the government has a valid interest. People not wearing seat belts, not taking advantage of the safety features available to them in most vehicles, are in effect hurting us all. Particularly at risk, as pointed out in the gathering last week, are children, who are not in a position to know all the facts available to those driving them. A great deal of political discussion this year has centered on "family values." What greater demonstration is there of family values than protecting your children from harm?

Is the message getting through? To some extent: Cape Girardeau County has a 68 percent compliance rate to the seat belt law, slightly below the nationwide goal for 1992 of 70 percent. But the work of educating the public goes on. We would like to see compliance with seat belt laws continue to increase, and we applaud the persistence of the groups that are making this a goal.