Buckle Up

     The National Seat Belt Campaign is in full swing in Texas.  All state and local law enforcement agencies are using their eagle eyes to spot every driver that has not clicked their seat belt into place.  Buckling up is second nature for most of us so it's hard to believe some people have issues with the requirement. Using such a simple measure to save a life is a no brainier but there are a lot people who are driving on empty when it comes to what's in that tank between their ears. Whether it's being lazy or simply short shortsightedness, those non bucklers always seem to find an excuse.  The cause of death on their accident report should read STUPID.
     There is no question that using a seat belt will and does save lives.  If I had my way I'd make unannounced hwy checkpoints legal in Texas.  If law enforcement agencies in Texas can set up checkpoints to check for undocumented immigrants why not allow those agencies to set up check points for seat belt violators, no automobile insurance, no valid automobile  registration and inspection sticker and by all means driving under the influence. I just don't think those checkpoints will ever happen because there are too many Texans who think such checkpoints are a violation of their constitutional rights. Your constitutional rights just might kill you some day.  Stop waving the flag and buckle up, keep your automobile registered and inspected, keep your automobile insurance current and if you must drink alcohol, wait till you get home.  A ticket  for not clicking your seat belt in Texas runs anywhere between $250-$500 depending which judge you'r standing in front of.  $250-$500 will buy a lot of flags so go ahead and wave your constitutional rights if you must but your cause of death will still read STUPID!