You pulling up 2 anecdotes means nothing. A lot of officer lives could be saved if they wore their seatbelts.
*sigh* Anecdotes, and not perfect examples? Until you walk in their shoes and see what and why they do what they do (
for your safety), how can you judge? I can see where it is hypocritical and you prove the point. But first, your not in the hotzones some of these guys are working in, and you probably will never know what it is like to be there-in that metal deathtraps- in those
anecdote type situations, will you? Maybe this one should be brought up in the tactics forum under a poll or something to see what some have to say about *possibly* being in that situation even once in a lifetime.
Second, a seatbelt will NOT save you in an "auto involved" death where you are slammed from behind at 70mph while your
sitting still on the side of the road writing a ticket. Seatbelt or not, your done. And if the gas tank explodes from the impact, then will that one second of time (unconcious or not) really make a difference? I'd cite those all too frequent FACTUAL INCIDENTS too but they might be billed "anecdotes" again so I won't bother. Now if these double standard cops were dying off duty from violating the law, then it might be another matter (needing more legislation?) <---- sarcasm
The last three officers to die from our Sheriff's Department were motorcycle cops hit by non drunk drivers. Where were their seatbelts???
Of course I did use some sarcasm and humor in my previous post. I do understand some reading this stuff will never "like" cops, and some will even cheer when they die (I deals with these types every day). That is fine, as tickets and cops are necessary evils for the public safety and I sleep well every night. Internet forums can also be used to help shed some light on the other side of the argument too you know, so carry on.
Michael T- I agree with everything except the writing of tickets. Your govt (cops employer) is the one having this happen. No matter the ethical reason, it is a necessary evil in the govt's attempt to protect people from themselves. I believe everyone has the right to endanger themselves, but not anybody else and that is where tickets come in. I always say, you cannot protect stupid people from themselves. But the govt doesn't agree even if Darwin says it's true!
More people are killed with cars than any other instrument in the US. But the gun grabbers don't care about this little nugget when it comes time to "save the people from themselves." Until I get to sign up to be in the Army reserves and get deployed, I'll put my life on the line for others rights for something more than just money. And I will do it in the most effective way possible.
Judge away as is your right, but showing ones ignorance is never pretty.
Justin
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