Laws that constrain me

One way in which the law restricts me is the fact that it requires me to wear a seatbelt. Though I do not like to because I feel constrained, literally, I understand how important it is. I have gotten two tickets for driving without wearing a seatbelt and though I hated paying the fines, I realize that it was for my own good. Much like, all the other laws concerning road safety, they seem petty and annoying, but we all know that they are there for our own safety. I have heard countless stories of people who would have survived major car accidents had they worn a seatbelt and so I am ultimately thankful for having been punished enough to make me realize that I must wear a seatbelt, no matter if I am driving or in the passenger seat. It will always be an annoying law but I have to admit I am thankful for it. 

Another law that restricts me, almost on a daily basis, is jay walking. I am guilty of it because it is just so much easier, faster, and more convenient. I don’t agree with this law even though it is supposed to be for my own safety. I just think that each person should be able to choose where they cross the street, and if you are driving then you should be paying attention anyway, so breaking for someone crossing the street should not be a problem. But more than just the driver, I think that the person crossing the street is the ultimate judge of when and where they cross, and it ultimately their responsibility to make sure they cross safely. It is such an unenforced law anyway, that I don’t really understand the purpose of it. Not only can everyone physically see the cars when crossing the street, I think we are perfectly capable of using judgment and common sense to cross a street wherever we want. This law especially bothers me when running because when I am running, I do not want to wait for the light to change, nor do I want to run to a cross walk that is out of my way. Maybe it helps some people with safety, but ultimately the law against jay walking is a pointless restriction on my liberty in my daily life, especially when I am running.