The Nation - News from July 1, 1985

Most drivers in Illinois and Michigan must wear seat belts or face fines beginning today under laws welcomed by law enforcement, insurance, medical and government officials and grumbled about by some motorists. New York and New Jersey already have such laws, and at least six other states have passed similar measures. Illinois Gov. James R. Thompson said public safety issues outweigh arguments that the seat-belt law infringes on personal freedoms. But Illinois state Rep. Sam Vinson, an opponent, said such an argument means “there will be nothing the government can’t regulate because everything affects our health.”