Content area
Full text
What's wrong with using several ounces of prevention?
Government regulations presumably promote the common good. In general, I agree. However, I don't always agree that the approach used is the most sensible.
One example might be government's solution to reducing crime. Instead of building more prisons, a better solution would be to prevent crime in the first place. It has to be cheaper than building more prisons and keeping people in jail. In short, I still believe that an ounce of prevention is better and cheaper than a pound of cure.
Apply this concept to auto safety and safety regulations. Air bags have been used for years. They have not only proven reliable, but effective in saving lives. I know from my own experience. I was in a serious accident, which activated my air bag, and I walked away without a scratch.
A low percentage of deaths have been reported from activated air bags hitting children and small adults with excessive force. It's not clear...