Close Topic Options

Click It Or Ticket

I am sure that anyone who lives in, or has spent time in, the United States is familiar with this expression - "Click It or Ticket". This is a program that has spread through all the states, as far as I know, where police officers can stop someone just on suspicion that they aren't wearing a seat belt, and issue a ticket.

I have never liked this program. I find it very offensive. But now, with the summer holidays coming up, starting with Memorial Day on May 29, police forces around the nation are gearing up for their "ticket fest". I think it is mainly another way that local governments can generate money from the electorate, without levying specific taxes.

So, what is the problem with this program? After all, it is designed to save lives, isn't it?

Since when is it the purpose of the government of the United States, or any authorities within the US, to save my life or health, against my wishes? I don't remember any part of the Constitution that gives the government authority to make sure that I am safe from all physical harm, all of my life. How does wearing, or not wearing, a seat belt protect other people from problems in my driving?

I got started thinking about this today after reading Walter Williams' great article on today's Townhall.com commentary page.
https://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/wa.../24/198422.html

Some very good food for thought in this little article.

Ticket Or Click

I am not very familiar with this...are you saying that if a police officer thinks or suspects that you are not wearing a seat belt (even though probably you are?) can issue a ticket? It does not make any sense. With that reasoning we are going to charge people for murders, rapes and all sort of crimes just because the police "suspect" they are involved.

Click It Or Ticket History & Civil Business Politics

Yes, just for suspicion, they can pull a driver over. If the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, they can write a ticket, making the driver then pay a fine.

The article that I linked to tells about how Maryland police officers will wear night-vision goggles similar to what the military snipers use, in order to catch people at night.

Ticket Or Click

I just read the article. The example given of the police officers in Maryland is a bit too much. I can understand they want to ensure safety on the road but they are going to the extreme.

Ticket Or Click

I'll ask it again. How does ME wearing a seatbelt make any difference in the safety of others on the road?

Not only are various police forces going beyond good sense and reason, I believe that the whole concept is completely beyond the pale.

Click It Or Ticket

Maybe in no way, it is actually more about your own safety, but yet again if it is the law to wear a seatbelt then you should, if you do not, you have to be penalized.

Click Or Ticket

That is my question. Why is there a law to protect me from my own choices? Isn't that a denial of basic personal liberty and personal responsibility?

Don't get me wrong. I ALWAYS wear a seatbelt. It is a good idea. I just don't believe that having a law like this is in any way good. The State should not have the power to make decisions like this for me.

Click Or Ticket Politics Business Civil & History

I agree with you nighthawk, and think that the "click or ticket" initiative fits right along the rest of the ticket propaganda in that it is primarily designed to bring in income to the city, county, and state. If it really curbed lack of seat belt use, then seat belt use would go up.

But then, why is it illegal not to wear a seat belt? You are exactly right in your statements. I wear a seat belt, and make my kids wear a seat belt, to protect myself and my family. It in no way effects the other person in an accident. I understand its a great way to help your self stay safe, but so is carrying a gun, or not going out at night. But that doesn't mean anyone has the right to force me to do either. And stopping people on suspicion alone so easily leads to racial profiling and individual police bias and really should not be allowed.