6/30/77..President Carter/Brock Adams..Decision that saved tens of thousands of lives..(maybe yours)

[Stuart G]

Last edited Thu Jun 30, 2016, 02:07 PM - Edit history (1)

Thirty Nine Years ago today, Brock Adams, Secretary of Transportation with Carters approval and support, announced that by 1984 all cars must be equipped with either seat belts or air bags...While there was some discussion and argument about this, since it was so far into the future, it was assumed it would not be of consequence..More than enough time for car manufacturers to make the arrangements..Other safety requirements followed: crumple zones, additional lights on cars seat belts in front and back, shoulder harnesses, and eventually air bags on both sides of the car..and more...

Republicans were against additional regulations but it was accepted. (far into the future)

In 1979..a few years before the mandate took effect...53000 were killed on United States highways.

Last year, approximately 32,500 were killed on United States highways..40 percent reduction with 35 percent greater population in the country and millions more cars and trucks. And injuries which could have been quite severe, became less severe and recoverable...

The republicans always talk about how great "less government regulations would be"...This one set of facts proves what a lie that is..In this case, government regulations have saved tens of thousands of lives over the course of more than 30 years..Remember, Republicans did not want the original rule to go into effect..Now putting on the seatbelts is the law..

If you hit the link below, proof of the above will be given..for those who do not believe..note the gradual reduction in the 80s and until now. Actually the reduction from the 80s to now over all is quite significant when considering the increase of the number of miles traveled. 2011 and 2014 were very similar about 32,500 deaths..The last time the number was lower was in 1949. Hit the link and take a look..

So, if you know someone who was saved by a seatbelt or the additional safety requirements mandated after since 79, it was President Jimmy Carter and Transportation Secretary Brock Adams who started this..with the seatbelt mandate 39 years ago today....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motor_vehicle_deaths_in_U.S._by_year

[SoLeftIAmRight]

1. few understand how hated he was for wanting real change

the full force of the system was used to crash any chance for all the changes he was pushing

[Stuart G]

2. How true...but it was brilliant that he and Adams pushed this into the future.

And it went into effect and saved tens of thousands of lives...Please hit the link and see the steady reduction beginning in the early 80s until now. And we do know people whose lives were saved and injuries prevented by.........these incredible government regulations..

[SoLeftIAmRight]

3. yes - thanks for the post

...

[Stuart G]

5. You're welcome..

[different equation]

4. K and R.

Most people haven't got a clue how important the safety regulations on cars are..Your chart proves the number of deaths saved..Thank You for posting..