Vote Yes on Two

It's hard to understand why anyone but the most die-hard libertarian would oppose Question Two, a ballot proposal whose only effect would be to save lives.

If passed, Question Two would preserve the state law, enacted in January, that requires occupants of certain motor vehicles to wear seat belts. Under the law, adults over the age of 16 who are drivers or passengers in cars, trucks and vans weighing less than 18,000 pounds would be fined $25 for not wearing seat belts.

Opponents who claim the law constitutes an infringement of the state onto individual rights are taking the argument for hands-off government to an illogical extreme. Putting on a seat belt takes three seconds--for most drivers the act is already second nature. The devices are not at all uncomfortable to wear. And there is no question that they save lives.

Many states already have seat belt laws--California, Washington, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, North Carolina and Maryland, to name a few. Sadly, Massachusetts doesn't have the greatest record on mandating the use of seat belts. In 1986, 54 percent of the state's citizens voted against a similar measure.

It's time to end this hard-headed opposition to a very logical law.