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Good or bad? Depends upon whom you ask

The strengthening of South Carolina's seat belt law is viewed favorably by the majority of local residents and law enforcement officials interviewed Thursday, but some local residents believe the tougher law is just another example of big government infringing on the rights of individuals.

Here's what some region residents had to say about the new law:

"I feel that it's good and bad. I really think that it should be a choice, because you never know if you will be in a wreck and it won't open. I think if you want to wear one, that's up to you, and if you don't, that's also your choice," Sandy Gammons of Cope said.

St. Matthews resident Darlene Bell said, "believe in the law. It's there for our safety."

Billy Holman of the Four Holes Community believes in an individual's right to choose whether or not to wear a seat belt.

"The seat belt law is just another infringement upon the right to choose for citizens and a way for the government to make an extra dollar in this state. If you are 18 years old, considered an adult, old enough to vote for the candidates who make such laws and can be sent to war to fight for this country, you should be able to decide for yourself whether you feel safer with or without a seatbelt," Holman said. "It's not likely that you will harm anyone but yourself if you do get into an accident and are thrown from the vehicle. If you are age 18 or over, it should definitely be a choice."

Jamie Keller of St. Matthews said she's glad a tougher law was passed.

"It saves lives," she said. "It's needed, whether by choice or law."

"I don't drive over 15 to 20 miles per hour in town," Kim Prickett of St. Matthews said. "I know seat belts save lives, but we don't need them in town. It's a case of big government telling little me. I don't like to be told. It should be up to me."

Wayne Polin of Cameron said, "I think kids need to buckle up, but adults shouldn't have to."

As a former paramedic, Cameron Police Chief Chris Hales said he thinks the new law is "great, safety-wise. ... It will help with safety."

Lt. Bobby Jones, Branchville interim police chief, agreed.

"It will make people responsible," he said. "Puts it right back on the offender."

"We definitely need it," Jackie Smith of Bamberg said." I just think you have a better chance with one on of surviving in an accident. If you're thrown out, you don't stand much chance."

Rick Pinson, who operates Nationwide Insurance Co. in Bamberg, is a proponent of the new law.

"Using seat belts has been proven to save lives, save money and reduce injuries. Saving money will be passed back to the consumer in the form of lower insurance rates. I've seen plenty of examples with my clients, where wearing a seat belt has made a difference," Pinson said. "Just pick up the newspaper and you see the percent of injuries or deaths when people don't wear seat belts. The point of the law is not to punish but to avoid more injuries and deaths."

Marvin Zeigler of Bamberg feels differently about the new legislation.

"I feel like they slipped something in on us. I don't wear a seat belt, but I know they save lives. I don't want them telling me what to do. It's a matter of personal freedom," Zeigler said. "It's amazing that you can ride a motorcycle without a helmet but they make you wear a seat belt when you're in the car. I don't think the law for motorcycles should be changed, either. "

Jacob Hammett of Bamberg noted, "I don't feel changed by the new law — no extra pressure. I already buckle-up, anyway. Among people my age, there's a real mix of people wearing them and not wearing them, but it's not a concern they really talk about. Parents can have a real influence, especially on younger kids, by setting an example of wearing their seat belt."