$110 ticket for not wearing a seat belt... [Archive]

w4rrior

Apr 17th, 2006, 05:39 AM

Arg! I was sitting in the backseat of my van yesterday, going to the gas station to fill up/pick up a few things. My mom was driving. As we were exiting a neighbourhood, a cop who was standing near a stop sign told us to pull over. Obviously, I wasnt wearing a seatbelt because i was only two minutes away ...anyways like the title states I ended up getting a ticket because of this. This is the first ticket I've ever recieved, with no warning or anything. The cop told me that if I fight it in court chances are that they'll end up ripping up the ticket. Apparantely they're shooting a zero tolerance policy on this thing so everyone whose 18 will get a ticket and those under 18, the driver will recieve. Just wanted to let you all know that you should watch out because they aren't letting anyone off easy. Yes, its my mistake and I should have had it on to begin with :P. Btw, anyone know if this will affect my insurance at all if i win?

bmwguy

Apr 17th, 2006, 05:45 AM

I'm sure if you fought it the cop probably wouldn't show, but if you had gotten hit by another car while going to the gas station you would't be complaining about the ticket. I think its important to always wear a seatbelt when in the car. Its a crappy lesson to have to pay money to learn, but it will make you think twice next time.

As for insurance I highly doubt it will affect it.

Xiggy

Apr 17th, 2006, 05:53 AM

I'm glad you got a ticket.

Obviously, I wasnt wearing a seatbelt, who here actually does? Especially when going for a 2 minute drive from your house to the gas station.This is one of the most idiotic statements ever. You should put on your seatbelt no matter how short the drive is. I do... and I don't move the car until all my passengers have done so.

cipher

Apr 17th, 2006, 05:53 AM

The law is the law. Just because others break it doesn't make it legal. Besides, only dummies assume that they won't get into an accident only 2 minutes from home.

w4rrior

Apr 17th, 2006, 05:54 AM

yea, ill always have my belt on now. what still peeves me off, is that i have to waste my time going to to court to get this cleared up. ugh...

w4rrior

Apr 17th, 2006, 05:58 AM

I'm glad you got a ticket.

This is one of the most idiotic statements ever. You should put on your seatbelt no matter how short the drive is. I do... and I don't move the car until all my passengers have done so.

yea yea its easy to criticize when your not the one who gets the ticket. :P
im sure everyone in here has sat in a car w/o seatbelts on once in their life.

funkyfr3sh_

Apr 17th, 2006, 05:58 AM

It's for your own good you get a ticket. Maybe one day this ticket will save your life.

You underestimate the power of a seatbelt. and btw, I always wear a seat belt - 1 minute from home.

w4rrior

Apr 17th, 2006, 06:05 AM

tough lesson, but i learned from it now. we all make mistakes when were young :P

funkyfr3sh_

Apr 17th, 2006, 06:10 AM

tough lesson, but i learned from it now. we all make mistakes when were young :P

I am glad you learned your lesson! :razz:

Well all the best to you paying then!

bembol

Apr 17th, 2006, 06:11 AM

This Seatbelt Blitz was all over tthe news/paper...as a Driver I always wear it....!!!

It's rare but when I'm in my sister's Mazda MPV/sitting at the back I honestly don't wear it.

LNahid2000

Apr 17th, 2006, 06:18 AM

It happened to me once a few years ago for the same reason and now it has become habit to put my seatbelt on no matter how short the drive is.

sportsfan99

Apr 17th, 2006, 06:25 AM

It only takes 10 second to get in an accedint and lose your life.

DaVibe

Apr 17th, 2006, 07:10 AM

It's like "Why did I close my door"
"Why am I sitting in the car"
"Why did I put my seatbelt on" ...

I never think of it otherwise.

If you bring this to court to get it "All cleared up", just make sure the words "It was only across the street" come out of your mouth, because that is the worst attitude to have, especially in court.
More along the lines of, "I made the mistake of ..."

FastFokker

Apr 17th, 2006, 07:18 AM

I always put my seatbelt on.. comes naturally after getting into the machine.

I don't like the idea of paying for you to get emergency hospitalization at our expense, just because you're too cool or lazy to plug your seatbelt in.

Cops should be handing out more tickets for offenders.

theavonlady

Apr 17th, 2006, 07:24 AM

asim99

Apr 17th, 2006, 07:25 AM

if the OP thought he'll get any sympathy votes, he's mistaken

FastFokker

Apr 17th, 2006, 07:27 AM

theavonlady, I could be wrong, but I don't think you can be ticketed while on private property.

sportsfan99

Apr 17th, 2006, 07:31 AM

wow i just heard of the seatbelt blitz on the radio and now im reading of someone getting ticketed :lol:
The only time i don't wear a seatbelt is in the walmart parking lot, driving across the plaza to like mr sub. other than that i always wear one. Don't think i'll get ticketed in the plaza though :lol:

Don't be to sure about that.Parking plaza mall are one of the worse places to get in to accidents.I have seen people gettting tickets in malls such things.

700mb80min

Apr 17th, 2006, 08:11 AM

Wow , another " i broke the law and got caught , help me please " threads . Is the whole of the province of ontario like this ? Pay the piper . Never mind the " what will i do ? who will i see ? what did you do " .....pay the fine and wear your seatbelt belt.

dolphie

Apr 17th, 2006, 08:15 AM

to the guy who said everyone's done it?
nope. Not once that I can remember. Seriously....It's automatic for some people....I strap myself in as soon as i get in the car. It's almost irritating...if i have to drive twenty feet i have the damn thing on before i can remember NOT to put it on. heh

theavonlady

Apr 17th, 2006, 08:16 AM

theavonlady, I could be wrong, but I don't think you can be ticketed while on private property.

I think your right though. But ok lets say i dont wear my seatbelt today @ walmart, a cop sees this, cant ticket me on walmart property, but can he ticket me the moment i got off it? is that possible lol

ethansmith

Apr 17th, 2006, 08:19 AM

I'm glad you got a ticket.

You should put on your seatbelt no matter how short the drive is. I do... and I don't move the car until all my passengers have done so.Ditto.

My car does not move until EVERYONE is buckled up.

What a stupid way to loose your life if you get in an accident and you arn't wearing you safty belt.

EDIT: How did you NOT know about the seatbelt blitz? It was all over the news. They're good that way; them news people.

--Ethan

theavonlady

Apr 17th, 2006, 08:19 AM

Don't be to sure about that.Parking plaza mall are one of the worse places to get in to accidents.I have seen people gettting tickets in malls such things.

really? from the police? and what would the ticket be for?
or improper parking and whatnot from parking enforcement?

B40

Apr 17th, 2006, 08:40 AM

Do you get a ticket if you're in the back seat as well?

dolphie

Apr 17th, 2006, 08:50 AM

Do you get a ticket if you're in the back seat as well?
lol.
No, they just put them back belts in for show. And they don't tell anyone you don't have to wear em.
it's all an evil trick.

MrDisco

Apr 17th, 2006, 08:53 AM

people still don't wear seatbelts now days? that's just .. weird. heck i wear them even if im taking a cab a few blocks.

cipher

Apr 17th, 2006, 09:01 AM

Do you get a ticket if you're in the back seat as well?

I don't know about the laws in other provinces, but in Manitoba, the driver gets a ticket for unbelted passengers.

insanity

Apr 17th, 2006, 09:02 AM

Can someone clear up the confusion...

Is it mandatory to wear a seatbelt in the backseat (I know it is for children, but what about others ?)

NDman

Apr 17th, 2006, 09:08 AM

I don't know about the laws in other provinces, but in Manitoba, the driver gets a ticket for unbelted passengers.
In Ontario, if the passengers in the backseats don't have driver's license, then the driver gets dinged. If the passenger has a valid driver's license, then the passenger gets the ticket

Is it mandatory to wear a seatbelt in the backseat
Yes

uptown

Apr 17th, 2006, 09:10 AM

The law is the law. Just because others break it doesn't make it legal. Besides, only dummies assume that they won't get into an accident only 2 minutes from home.

^^ exactly... i was literally 2 mins from my home when a car came and T-boned me. >:(

lkn4deals

Apr 17th, 2006, 09:11 AM

really? from the police? and what would the ticket be for?
or improper parking and whatnot from parking enforcement?

hey avonlady, unlike 15-20 god (who is a master debator), sportsfan99 is a master 'bs'er...never believe anything he says...you CAN'T be ticketed for not wearing a seatbelt in a mall parking lot...in fact, you don't have to obey the stop signs in a mall parking lot either; they're not 'official'...of course if no one paid attention to them in parking lots it could be a little dangerous! The ONLY thing you can be ticketed for in a private lot is for parking without authorization.

B40

Apr 17th, 2006, 09:12 AM

Besides, only dummies assume that they won't get into an accident only 2 minutes from home.

Isn't there a stat that most accidents occur within 5km's of your house or something like that?

B40

Apr 17th, 2006, 09:12 AM

hey avonlady, unlike 15-20 god (who is a master debator), sportsfan99 is a master 'bs'er...never believe anything he says...you CAN'T be ticketed for not wearing a seatbelt in a mall parking lot...in fact, you don't have to obey the stop signs in a mall parking lot either; they're not 'official'...of course if no one paid attention to them in parking lots it could be a little dangerous! The ONLY thing you can be ticketed for in a private lot is for parking without authorization.

That explains why no one stops at the stop signs at pee mall :lol:

danfromwaterloo

Apr 17th, 2006, 09:17 AM

Obviously, I wasnt wearing a seatbelt, who here actually does? Especially when going for a 2 minute drive from your house to the gas station...

I do. When I was a kid (4ish), I was sitting in the front seat of my dad's car when we were driving two blocks over to my grandmother's house. I wasn't wearing a seatbelt, and my dad had to break really quickly to not hit a dog. My head bounced off the dashboard, and I had a big bump on my head for days. Since then, I've always worn a seatbelt, no matter how short a drive it is.

Btw, anyone know if this will affect my insurance at all if i win?

If you win? No, it won't. If you lose, it'll really kill your insurance. You'll probably get a 2-3K spike in your rates.

AloneInACrowd

Apr 17th, 2006, 09:27 AM

I've always had it hammered in my head that you need to have your seatbelt on. Really the only time I don't have it on is outside the city up north, in the backwoods near the cottages :P

Shaf

Apr 17th, 2006, 09:31 AM

Do rear seat passengers also have to wear a seatbelt by law?

B40

Apr 17th, 2006, 09:32 AM

Obviously, I wasnt wearing a seatbelt, who here actually does? Especially when going for a 2 minute drive from your house to the gas station...

"Progressive asked 11,000 of its auto insurance policyholders who reported accidents in 2001 how close to home they were when the accident happened. Fifty-two percent reported they were 5 miles or less from home, and an astounding 77 percent reported they were within 15 miles of home." http://www.insurance.com/Article.aspx/Car_Accidents_Tend_to_Occur_Close_to_Home/artid/104

"A report released today revealed that a third (32 per cent) of all car accidents happen within a mile of the driver�s home and a further third within five miles."
http://www.churchill.com/pressReleases/13062005.htm

HighFlyer

Apr 17th, 2006, 09:34 AM

Do rear seat passengers also have to wear a seatbelt by law?
yes, and if the passengers are under 16, it's the driver who gets the ticket and points.

ratface

Apr 17th, 2006, 10:16 AM

A similar question... if your car is in an accident can the rear seat passengers be injured? :confused:

chococrazy

Apr 17th, 2006, 10:35 AM

A similar question... if your car is in an accident can the rear seat passengers be injured? :confused:
Of course they can.

I have always a seatbelt wearer.... when I was in high school my friend and I got into an accident. If I hadn't been wearing my seat belt I'm pretty sure I would have been thrown out the windshield. I still have the little bits of glass from that accident as a reminder.

If I have passengers in my car, I don't move until everyone has their belt on (including the back seat).

One thing that I used to be guilty of is not putting on my seatbelt on in the back of a cab. I have since changed that. :)

Wiseman

Apr 17th, 2006, 10:37 AM

Not only is not wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle dangerous for yourself, it is also dangerous for other (belted or not) occupants of the vehicle.. in a crash your body acts like a projectile and can fly into other people in the vehicle and killing them. This has happened on many occasions where the unbelted passenger survived, but killed other belted occupants in the vehicle

So out of respect for other belted passengers in the same vehicle, put your damn seatbelt on.

Sajjad

Apr 17th, 2006, 10:38 AM

Arg! I was sitting in the backseat of my van yesterday, going to the gas station to fill up/pick up a few things. My mom was driving. As we were exiting a neighbourhood, a cop who was standing near a stop sign told us to pull over. Obviously, I wasnt wearing a seatbelt, who here actually does? Especially when going for a 2 minute drive from your house to the gas station...anyways like the title states I ended up getting a ticket because of this. This is the first ticket I've ever recieved, with no warning or anything. The cop told me that if I fight it in court chances are that they'll end up ripping up the ticket. Apparantely they're shooting a zero tolerance policy on this thing so everyone whose 18 will get a ticket and those under 18, the driver will recieve. Just wanted to let you all know that you should watch out because they aren't letting anyone off easy. Btw, anyone know if this will affect my insurance at all if i win?

Jeez, whenever there's a cop around I put on my seatbelt. Otherwise it's off...n00b.

Audiogenic

Apr 17th, 2006, 10:39 AM

The reason why they charge for not wearing one is because you would cost the "system" (ambulance, hospital, more cops at site ect.) more money because there is a greater risk you would be more hurt without one. It all comes down to saving money...frankly they couldn't give a rats ass about your safety.

Madchester

Apr 17th, 2006, 10:41 AM

^^ exactly... i was literally 2 mins from my home when a car came and T-boned me. >:(

That happened to the neighbours who lived only three houses down our street. They were backing up their van out of the driveway, when some idiot speeding down the street T-boned them.

theavonlady

Apr 17th, 2006, 10:42 AM

hey avonlady, unlike 15-20 god (who is a master debator), sportsfan99 is a master 'bs'er...never believe anything he says...you CAN'T be ticketed for not wearing a seatbelt in a mall parking lot...in fact, you don't have to obey the stop signs in a mall parking lot either; they're not 'official'...of course if no one paid attention to them in parking lots it could be a little dangerous! The ONLY thing you can be ticketed for in a private lot is for parking without authorization.

lol thanks for clearing that up about sportsfan :lol:
never knew that about the stop sign thing lol

Kasakato

Apr 17th, 2006, 10:56 AM

This Seatbelt Blitz was all over tthe news/paper...as a Driver I always wear it....!!!

It's rare but when I'm in my sister's Mazda MPV/sitting at the back I honestly don't wear it.
Are you my uncle? His sister has a MPV too and never wears one in the back. :lol:

DJ_Peanuts22

Apr 17th, 2006, 10:59 AM

better safe than sorry, dont say i didnt warn ya.

Pete00

Apr 17th, 2006, 11:36 AM

I don't understand why people don't wear their seatbacks in the back. If in a frontal collision, the person in the back w/o a seatbelt will hurl into the front seats at over 2 tonnes of force...you know the results...

Tred.Mill

Apr 17th, 2006, 11:46 AM

lol
Everyone wears a seatbelt. You're just a dumbass. And dumbasses don't wear seatbelts.

When you go on a roller coaster, do you put the "bar" down? You know its there just for fun.

gman

Apr 17th, 2006, 11:59 AM

Arg! I was sitting in the backseat of my van yesterday, going to the gas station to fill up/pick up a few things. My mom was driving. As we were exiting a neighbourhood, a cop who was standing near a stop sign told us to pull over. Obviously, I wasnt wearing a seatbelt, who here actually does? Especially when going for a 2 minute drive from your house to the gas station...anyways like the title states I ended up getting a ticket because of this. This is the first ticket I've ever recieved, with no warning or anything. The cop told me that if I fight it in court chances are that they'll end up ripping up the ticket. Apparantely they're shooting a zero tolerance policy on this thing so everyone whose 18 will get a ticket and those under 18, the driver will recieve. Just wanted to let you all know that you should watch out because they aren't letting anyone off easy. Btw, anyone know if this will affect my insurance at all if i win?

No, obviously, you are supposed to wear the seatbelt.
Who here actually does not?

gman

Apr 17th, 2006, 12:03 PM

A similar question... if your car is in an accident can the rear seat passengers be injured? :confused:

A lot of rear seast passengers hurt more than the front because they don't wear their seat belt. They got throw out of the car because they did not wear their seat beat. My wife was thrown out through the back window when she was 15.

3 person was in the car. Only she, the only one in the back and without seat belt on was really hurt, in coma for couple of days.

Winegums

Apr 17th, 2006, 12:10 PM

Why wouldn't you wear a seat belt? It only takes seconds to put one on!! I have friends who, for some reason beyond my comprehension, don't think it's necessary to wear their seatbelt if they are in the backseat. They do now...at least when they are in my car!

manixc

Apr 17th, 2006, 12:14 PM

2 seconds of my time putting on seat belt vs being buried under 6 feets of dirt forever? I will put on my seat belt.

To the OP, pay the ticket. It's a waste of time(taxpayer) trying to fight it.

gilboman

Apr 17th, 2006, 12:19 PM

2 seconds of my time putting on seat belt vs being buried under 6 feets of dirt forever? I will put on my seat belt.

To the OP, pay the ticket. It's a waste of time trying to fight it.

why is it a waste of time when the cop already said it'll be dismissed if he fought it :confused:

manixc

Apr 17th, 2006, 12:22 PM

why is it a waste of time when the cop already said it'll be dismissed if he fought it :confused:

I mean the taxpayer's time

goob3r

Apr 17th, 2006, 12:28 PM

A similar question... if your car is in an accident can the rear seat passengers be injured? :confused:

No, there is an anti gravity mechanism built into backseats to ensure the safety of those there.

goob3r

Apr 17th, 2006, 12:28 PM

I mean the taxpayer's time

Not a waste of mine. You mean money.

thebigcmb

Apr 17th, 2006, 12:31 PM

why is it a waste of time when the cop already said it'll be dismissed if he fought it :confused:People often assume that cops won't show up for court dates. Sure, it does happen occassionally, but not nearly as often as people seem to think. Consider it from the cop's perspective. Going to court is overtime for him. Seems like a pretty easy way to earn a few extra dollars.

A friend of mine received a ticket for an illegal left turn a few years ago. When the cop gave him the ticket, he suggested that he take it to court and assured him that it would be dismissed (sound familiar). My friend went to court, fully expecting to have the cop to no-show, only to be greeted by the cop who was ready and more than willing to testify against him.

I realize that this story sounds like "a friend of a friend" story, but I go back to my first comment. If you were a cop, wouldn't you show up?

If you really want to be skeptical about the cop's motive, maybe he is trying to assure himself of some overtime by getting everyone whom he gives a ticket to will request a court date. More money for him! Maybe he is saving up for a plasma TV :)

Daemar

Apr 17th, 2006, 12:51 PM

hey avonlady, unlike 15-20 god (who is a master debator), sportsfan99 is a master 'bs'er...never believe anything he says...you CAN'T be ticketed for not wearing a seatbelt in a mall parking lot...in fact, you don't have to obey the stop signs in a mall parking lot either; they're not 'official'...of course if no one paid attention to them in parking lots it could be a little dangerous! The ONLY thing you can be ticketed for in a private lot is for parking without authorization.

If Walmart allowed/requested Police to enforce traffic laws in their lot, then yes, you can be ticketed.

UrbanPoet

Apr 17th, 2006, 12:54 PM

i always wear my seat belt, even in the back seat.
Back when i was 14 my bro got into a car accident.. he had an old toyota celica with only the waist seat belts in the back.
The car got totaled via a full speed rear end while we were parked.
My face smashed into the front seat causing some pretty severe whip lash, it woulda been worst if i hadnt had a seat belt :|

ShadowVlican

Apr 17th, 2006, 12:58 PM

i always wear a seat belt.... it ain't that hard to put on :)

crimsona

Apr 17th, 2006, 01:22 PM

Since they implemented mandatory seatbelts front and back in Hong Kong (even in taxis), it's just become second nature.

UrbanPoet

Apr 17th, 2006, 01:25 PM

why wouldnt u wanna wear your seat belt?
A car is a big hunk of metal traveling usually over 50km per hr.
If it hits anything and your not wearing a seat belt... youll be thrown around inside like a rag doll. even a minor hit can give you a good Bash against the glass or dash board thatll be similar to getting bashed with a baseball bat...

akito925

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:12 PM

ggeeeezzzz i'm in the habit of puting on the seat belt were ever I go.. eve filling up the gas at the gas station.. I'd fill up on the way home most of the time because.. why bother to leave the house just for a 2 min drive to fill up the gas, then back home??

I'm glad you got a ticket.

This is one of the most idiotic statements ever. You should put on your seatbelt no matter how short the drive is. I do... and I don't move the car until all my passengers have done so.

w4rrior

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:28 PM

No, obviously, you are supposed to wear the seatbelt.
Who here actually does not?

ok let me rephrase, i didnt wear the seatbelt because i was only 2 mins away and in the back seat. but anyways, yea its my fault, i should've had it on in the first place. :)

ElvaSoShexai

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:36 PM

w4rrior

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:41 PM

when i was a kid i always wore my seatbelt... then around when i was 13-14 or so i didn't... then once i got in an accident.. luckily it was a low speed one and i flew into the windshield.. i didn't fly through it but i had a headache the rest of the day... i always wear my seatbelt now

ouch lol, reading all these stories is somewhat of an eye opener for me. i've been fortunate enough to never actually be in a serious car accident, but its bound to happen someday...now isnt that something to look forward to? :|

Geese_Howard

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:51 PM

now a days people whine over everything, god you werent wearing a seat belt, isnt that the 1st thing you do when you get into a car? dont give me this excuse about being 2 minutes away from your house, firstly you were in a car not wearing a SEAT BELT, automatic breaking of the law and its a proven statistic that most accidents happen in a very close radius of your house. Don't believe me, look it up.

Pay the fine, man up to your mistake.

gman

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:51 PM

ok let me rephrase, i didnt wear the seatbelt because i was only 2 mins away and in the back seat. but anyways, yea its my fault, i should've had it on in the first place. :)

You don't need to rephrase it. It was pretty clear in your first post. Yes, I do wear the seatbelt even if it is a 2 minute drive and if I am in the back seat.
Back seat, 2 minutes drive are not an excuse if it is what you were looking for.

gman

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:52 PM

now a days people whine over everything, god you werent wearing a seat belt, isnt that the 1st thing you do when you get into a car? dont give me this excuse about being 2 minutes away from your house, firstly you were driving without a SEAT BELT, automatic breaking of the law and its a proven statistic that most accidents happen in a very close radius of your house. Don't believe me, look it up.

Pay the fine, man up to your mistake.

He was not driving without a seat belt. He was sitting in the back without a seat belt.

w4rrior

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:53 PM

Jeez, whenever there's a cop around I put on my seatbelt. Otherwise it's off...n00b.
lol thats what i used to do, but the cop saw me in the car(he was standing outside it) not wearing my belt, which is why i got pulled over. :P

Geese_Howard

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:55 PM

He was not driving without a seat belt. He was sitting in the back without a seat belt.

my mistake, fixed my mistake but I still believe what I said. not very hard to put on your seat belt, if you forgot or didnt think it was necessary, this fine will make you never forget again.

t3359

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:58 PM

my friend still has glass embedded in his forehead from smashing his head into the windshield when he was in his teens.

I wear my seatbelt. luckily the laziness of others bears nothing on my own safety.

bjl

George W. Bush

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:02 PM

Wait a second here - a ticker for not wearing a setbelt in the back? I thought the law applied mostly to the front seats...

I always wear a seatbelt in front, but in the back the passangers do not wear unless we enter the highway, that is where I want them to wear a seatbelt no matter where they sit...

mtharvey

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:03 PM

Makes more sense to fine people for smoking. $110 is too much for low income people. fine should depend on your income.

w4rrior

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:07 PM

what should i say to the prosecutor? is something like "Even though i was getting off right across the street, I made the mistake of not having my seatbelt on." acceptable? I realize my mistake, but i dont want my insurance to skyrocket because of this.

gman

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:11 PM

d_jedi

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:21 PM

chickenbones

Apr 17th, 2006, 06:07 PM

What happens when you don't wear your seat belt (http://www.spikedhumor.com/articles/23885/Remember_Wear_Your_Seatbelt.html?autoplay=true)

Watch with sound, very interesting.

thebigcmb

Apr 17th, 2006, 11:05 PM

fine should depend on your income. That's apparently what they do in Sweden for speeding. I remember reading a few years ago that some rich guy got burned for speeding and had to pay through the nose.

Hey, a fine's usefulness as a deterrent will vary with one's income (or one's cheapness).

NDman

Apr 17th, 2006, 11:12 PM

What happens when you don't wear your seat belt (http://www.spikedhumor.com/articles/23885/Remember_Wear_Your_Seatbelt.html?autoplay=true)

Watch with sound, very interesting.
Wow. That was a powerful commercial

pinit

Apr 17th, 2006, 11:18 PM

most collisions happen within 10 km of home, most without seatbelts within 5 kmof home, and most statistics are made up within 3.2 km of home

stevethewheel

Apr 17th, 2006, 11:37 PM

"Progressive asked 11,000 of its auto insurance policyholders who reported accidents in 2001 how close to home they were when the accident happened. Fifty-two percent reported they were 5 miles or less from home, and an astounding 77 percent reported they were within 15 miles of home." http://www.insurance.com/Article.aspx/Car_Accidents_Tend_to_Occur_Close_to_Home/artid/104

"A report released today revealed that a third (32 per cent) of all car accidents happen within a mile of the driver�s home and a further third within five miles."
http://www.churchill.com/pressReleases/13062005.htm

That's not really surprising though. Let's look at probabilities....

Many people live and work and shop in the same town, and make many short trips because of that. My Mom for instance lives in a town that only takes 15 minutes to cross, so almost all her driving is within 15 minutes from home, and as well all her accidents would be within 15 minutes from home.

So on short trips, we're no more than 15 minutes from home, on long trips we still travel the first and last 15 minutes while we're '15 minutes from home'.

Still another way to think about it. What if you removed your seat belt only when you were more than 15 minutes from home.....you'd still be 'wearing' your seat belt more than you were 'not wearing' it.

gilboman

Apr 18th, 2006, 12:05 AM

How about, "I was completely in the wrong, and here is a cheque to pay for the ticket"?

um..no... i was completely wrong but the cop said he wouldnt show up and help feed the coffers of the gov't and here i am and the cop isn't here. :lol: also i would rather give the 110 to charity and fight every ticket ;)

gilboman

Apr 18th, 2006, 12:08 AM

People often assume that cops won't show up for court dates. Sure, it does happen occassionally, but not nearly as often as people seem to think. Consider it from the cop's perspective. Going to court is overtime for him. Seems like a pretty easy way to earn a few extra dollars.

A friend of mine received a ticket for an illegal left turn a few years ago. When the cop gave him the ticket, he suggested that he take it to court and assured him that it would be dismissed (sound familiar). My friend went to court, fully expecting to have the cop to no-show, only to be greeted by the cop who was ready and more than willing to testify against him.

I realize that this story sounds like "a friend of a friend" story, but I go back to my first comment. If you were a cop, wouldn't you show up?

If you really want to be skeptical about the cop's motive, maybe he is trying to assure himself of some overtime by getting everyone whom he gives a ticket to will request a court date. More money for him! Maybe he is saving up for a plasma TV :)

and what's the worse thing that can happen? he pay the 110fine 9 months from now? while the more likely situation assuming cop shows up is fine gets reduced or cop doesnt show and it's thrown out.

it's a win win situation. only a someone who doesnt care about $110 wasted would not go.

theavonlady

Apr 18th, 2006, 09:38 AM

I just find it very weird that yesterday here i was talking about accidents and parking lots and whatnot, and last night my car gets hit (I wasnt in it, it was parked thankfully) Someone apparently reversed into it.... It doesn't look too good, and im pissed about it, as my lights are broken and my car is dented and such :mad:

Absolute

Apr 18th, 2006, 10:45 AM

I don't like the idea of paying for you to get emergency hospitalization at our expense, just because you're too cool or lazy to plug your seatbelt in.

Cops should be handing out more tickets for offenders.
I'm in complete agreement here - yes, a 2 minute drive, but I've heard stats that a high percentage of accidents happen within 10 minutes of your home.

sonyminidiscman

Apr 18th, 2006, 11:35 AM

I'm in complete agreement here - yes, a 2 minute drive, but I've heard stats that a high percentage of accidents happen within 10 minutes of your home.

I agree too... I contributed to the high percentage... i was stupid to have been driving so fast through a corner, a corner I've driven thru like 5000000 times... only this time, there were black ice...

didn't hit other cars or people... just had to tow the car ... 1500 to fix...

goffeebeans

Apr 18th, 2006, 11:45 AM

I'm in complete agreement here - yes, a 2 minute drive, but I've heard stats that a high percentage of accidents happen within 10 minutes of your home.

I agree, not sure if its something to do mentally.. perhaps drivers let their guard down when they're closer to home.. Last year was in a car accident literally 5 seconds from gf's house.

I was in the backseat when it got T-boned and I'm damn glad I had my seatbelt on. Even with the seatbelt on, it'd say the sensation is equivalent to jumping off a high table and landing flat on your back on the ground. The car was doing maybe 30-40km/h on impact and the other driver swerved towards the rear so it wasnt a direct hit on our car, but its still enough to throw our car into a 360 spin. Though by swerving towards the rear, their car ended up hitting right where I was sitting. Without the seat belt im 100% sure i'd be flying around like a ragdoll similar to that video posted by chickenbones. Lucky to get away with only bruises and a bit of pain.

gman

Apr 18th, 2006, 11:46 AM

My friend wrecked a rental car 15 seconds from my driveway. Oh yeah! 15 seconds was how long it took me to walk from my house to the 'site' and not how long he drove.

bionicbadger

Apr 18th, 2006, 12:00 PM

The cop should have pulled out his gun and shot you. We have too many criminals in canada as it is.

FastFokker

Apr 18th, 2006, 12:03 PM

The cop should have pulled out his gun and shot you. We have too many criminals in canada as it is.But he'd still be a criminal, just a criminal with a bullet in him. :cheesygri

Unless you meant SHOT DEAD! :eek:

goob3r

Apr 18th, 2006, 12:19 PM

Makes more sense to fine people for smoking. $110 is too much for low income people. fine should depend on your income.

Sheesh. Low income people should learn to follow the rules then.

luthair

Apr 18th, 2006, 01:16 PM

That happened to the neighbours who lived only three houses down our street. They were backing up their van out of the driveway, when some idiot speeding down the street T-boned them.

I would think that would be their fault then, they backed out into traffic /shrug

Geese_Howard

Apr 18th, 2006, 01:19 PM

Sheesh. Low income people should learn to follow the rules then.

I agree, if you have a car, and insurance, you should be able to pay the fine. Driving is a privilege not a right....

st7860

Apr 18th, 2006, 01:20 PM

don't drink and drive. accidents create people.

backseat drive safely. use airbags.

srtor

Apr 18th, 2006, 01:28 PM

2 seconds of my time putting on seat belt vs being buried under 6 feets of dirt forever? I will put on my seat belt.

To the OP, pay the ticket. It's a waste of time(taxpayer) trying to fight it.
No way! Fight it man! Remember he also pays tax. :mad:

gman

Apr 18th, 2006, 01:45 PM

No way! Fight it man! Remember he also pays tax. :mad:
Who does not pay tax? What is your point?
How does paying tax have anything to do with this?
Is "paying tax" a get out of jail card?

stevethewheel

Apr 18th, 2006, 02:41 PM

I would think that would be their fault then, they backed out into traffic /shrug

yes fault and wearing seatbelts are closely related.

ramoose

Apr 18th, 2006, 07:57 PM

gaurav_fhs

Apr 18th, 2006, 07:58 PM

No way! Fight it man! Remember he also pays tax. :mad:
:|

joey3k

Apr 18th, 2006, 08:37 PM

this is an interesting topic

I don't know about you guys, but who wears there seatbelts when they are in reverse?

I generally take mine off because I like to have more mobility to swing and look straight back with my arm on passenger seat.

luthair

Apr 18th, 2006, 08:42 PM

yes fault and wearing seatbelts are closely related.

Because that was entirely my point! The poster I replied to seemed to imply that it was the driver on the road at fault, not their neighbours for backing out in front of them.

theavonlady

Apr 18th, 2006, 09:11 PM

going on an on ramp to the highway by my house they had 3 cruisers checking to make sure everyone was wearing there seatbelt. lol it was in such a spot you couldn't see them until it was too late, so those "i only put it on when i see a cop" people would get caught.

And yes, my passenger and I both were wearing our seatbelts :)

Xiggy

Apr 18th, 2006, 09:22 PM

gamovafan

Apr 18th, 2006, 09:22 PM

Another reason to get the darkest legal tint available.

HighFlyer

Apr 18th, 2006, 09:27 PM

Another reason to get the darkest legal tint available.
Then they'll point you over the curb and take a look thoroughly inside. Yes, I've seen it many times.... usually with minivans and SUV's.

chickenbones

Apr 18th, 2006, 09:27 PM

Another reason to get the darkest legal tint available.

Yes 'cus that's the only way to stop you from flying out the window.

ronin893

Apr 18th, 2006, 11:37 PM

No, there is an anti gravity mechanism built into backseats to ensure the safety of those there.Anti-gravity mechanism would make you float. I think what you really meant are inertial dampeners.

ronin893

Apr 18th, 2006, 11:47 PM

im sure everyone in here has sat in a car w/o seatbelts on once in their life.Yeah, but that was back in the seventies and I was still in elementary school. Since you got the ticket, then you must have a driving permit, therefore you're old enough to know better. I assume that you were born in the eighties. Unless you're a recent immigrant, it should have been beaten into your head by now that seat belts are for everyone's safety. $110 is not enough. They should temporarily suspend your license.

BuildBuyBreed

Apr 18th, 2006, 11:48 PM

If you don't wear seatbelts or don't like to wear seatbelts... go drive a motorcycle. You can't get more free'er or unrestrictive than that... then see how you like it if you get in a collision in that 2 mins without a seatbelt. Same difference.

Flyer

Apr 18th, 2006, 11:53 PM

Am I the only one who thinks that in order to reduce the number of accidents, we need o REMOVE every safety features like seatbelts, airbags, and so on, then add a hugeass dagger pointed directly at the driver's chest with less than an inch of clearance? With all these safety features cares have, you hav idiots who think they are invincible...

MadCow

Apr 29th, 2006, 09:21 PM

Don't you have to book an appointment or something before you go and fight your seatbelt ticket?

Or can you just show up...

I always thought the cop has to know about it so they can show up...

You bring your ticket to the courthouse and file a notice to appear in court.