Seat Belt Acceptance By Brianna Smith We’re all looking to be accepted in one way or another, but when that search becomes an obsession we start to lose sight of what we were looking for to begin with. Sometimes this thriving need for attention can cause teens to veer away from actions that could save their lives. One of these actions is wearing a seat belt. Not wearing a seat belt isn’t just due to the convenience of the situation but also to the pressure from friends and peers. As fun as it may be as a passenger in a car full of teenagers and turn around and talk with your peers in the back seat, not wearing a seat belt will up your chances of being injured in a car . As if experiencing the loss of a loved one isn’t enough, to know that the ity could have been prevented is an unbearable fact. The Crusader Rabbit had the privilege to speak with one of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Officers, James Keathly, to gain insight into the importance of this lifesaving gesture--wearing a seat belt. As much as young drivers would like to say that seat belts are just another way for s to control our fun, they are an essential item to continue good times with friends. “No one wants to hear that their child has been in a , especially when they know it could’ve been prevented by some thing that should be an impulsive action when you get into your vehicle,” Officer Keathly said. “This is one of the main reasons that we encourage drivers to wear seatbelts. Some people would be more cautious if they knew that their family would be devastated by the tragedy.” So when it comes to hanging with friends or driving to and from parties, remember that as cool as it may be to not wear a seat belt and not abide by the rules that make things more fun, the fun ends when someone gets hurt. So if you want to have continuous fun with the same friends make sure you and your friends are driving safely and wearing seat belts.