Reply #30: The same case can be made for motorcycle helmets

[petronius]

Aside from the fact that it really is a good idea to use these things, the only rational argument in favor of belt/helmet laws from a societal standpoint is that using them reduces the stress on the people who have to clean up the mess. There's also the case that requiring people to behave safely reduces medical expenses (particularly relevant when the expenses are paid by the state), but that IMO opinion is a risky route to go since the same argument can be applied to tobacco, alcohol, red meat, transfats, mandatory exercise, etc...