The introduction of Michuki traffic regulations that demanded that every driver and passenger buckles up their safety belt while travelling has saved thousands of lives during road accidents.
However, this noble measure has been meeting constant rebellion from drivers and passengers who will always give lame excuses to traffic officers during traffic inspections.
The following are some of the common excuses people provide for having not buckled up their seat-belts.
It keeps me restrained. Most people complain that safety belts keep them restrained to their seats denying them freedom of movement. But this is exactly what the safety belts are designed to do, to keep you intact on your seat during a crash to avoid getting thrown around or out of the vehicle.
I am too large to wear a seat belt. Most people usually say that they are too huge to buckle up; however, this is not true as most modern seat belts are long enough to fit any person. Some vehicles even have seat belt extenders to resolve fitting issues.
They are dirty. This is nonetheless true as some matatus have very filthy seat belts that result to the passengers not buckling them as they may transfer dirt to their clean garments. Who knows, they may be headed to very important interviews.
I will get stuck in case of a crush. This is not true since seat belts ensure one does not get knocked to unconsciousness that may lead to them getting stuck during a crush. One may only get stuck if the seat-belts were faulty, good safety easily unbuckle setting free the user.
I am pregnant. Most pregnant women think that it is not necessary for them to buckle up; conversely it is very necessary for them to do so as it assures their safety and also that of the unborn baby.
I forgot. This is the most common excuse given by passengers; they will always say they forgot to fasten their belts.
To curb forgetfulness, most modern vehicles have buckling up reminders installed while in the matatus; such notices are pinned allover for people to read.
Seat belts save lives, therefore every passenger should buckle up and more especially the drivers, even if they do not want to do it for themselves, then they should do it for those who love them.