LETTERS: CHILDREN NEED TO USE SEAT BELTS

To the editor:

I am a college student and within an age bracket considered to be irresponsible and careless by many adults older than myself. However, there is an understanding of responsibility that I, as well as nearly all othr college students I have spoken to, have that older adults beat on: the simple, lifesaving value of a seat belt on a child.

Every day thousands of parents in this area chauffeur their children around town to school or preschool, to soccer practice or home. Amazingly, the majority of the time I observed that these children aren't strapped down in their seats. Much too often I have seen 3- and 4-year-olds jumping up and down, leaning on the driver or peering out the back window.

To the man in the large brown four-by-four pickup: When I motioned to my seat belt and pointed to your tiny, lively daughter the other day, I wasn't trying to offend you. I don't care what your political views are, nor does it matter to me what religion you follow. Your job and home life aren't issues with me. All I know is that I was hit head-on going only 30 miles per hour, by a person going even slower, and it was the most tremendous jolt I have ever felt. I know beyond a doubt that I would have died that day had I not been wearing my seat belt.

You may be able to protect your babies when you are wlaking or playing with them, and you may be a wonderful driver. But is someone else hits you, believe me, you will have no control over what happens next. Seat belts give you back some of that control.

REBECCA DOMAZLICKY

Cape Girardeau