To wearing seat belts.

It boggles the mind for most people how anyone can sit in an automobile and be OK with failing to wear a seat belt. They are the most effective safety device for automobile travel. Period. Seat belt use nationwide is at 87 percent, down from 88 percent in 2007 but up from 69 percent in 1998. There are still some who, for whatever reason, don’t wear them. The demographic with the lowest numbers are young drivers. According to the National Safety Council, the most dangerous time of a teen driver’s life is the first year after getting a solo driver’s license. It’s not necessarily related to taking more risks than an adult driver. It’s simply because they are less experienced. Thumbs up to the people who wear their belts, setting a proper example for others and, especially, future generations.

 

To going the wrong way in bike lanes.

Most bicycle riders go the correct way in the Front Street bike lanes, but last week there was a crash that showed the danger of riding against traffic. The bike lanes have arrows for a reason. State law says bicycles must ride on the right side of the street.

That said, a survey taken at the corner of Front Street and First Avenue — outside the Tribune offices — showed overwhelmingly riders follow the arrows. However, there was a person in an electric wheelchair going against the arrows, and a police officer in a car drove right past that person. Wheelchair users are treated as pedestrians under state law. Pedestrians must use sidewalks when one or two are provided along the sides. There is a sidewalk on Front Street, sometimes on one side and sometimes on both. Perhaps a measure of education from the city and a dose of friendly warnings from law enforcement might be a good idea.

 

To candidates for elective office.

It’s one thing to get promoted, appointed, hired or transferred to a position of authority. They must pass muster with a supervisor, a board or a human relations staff. It’s an entirely greater feat to get elected. They must put themselves in front of the entire community, region, state or nation and withstand the scrutiny of the public spotlight that, at times, can become intense. It takes guts to do that, whether it is for a township trustee or for a U.S. senator. And though politics gets a bad wrap, let’s not forget politicians are all people who wish to serve the people of this country and make their neck of the woods a better place, even if they disagree on the means. Thanks, candidates, for running, and thank you for contributing to a healthy dialogue this summer and fall leading up to the November elections. It’s good to air the issues.

Editor’s note: Two of the three thumbs today came from reader suggestions. To suggest a thumb, call Editor Tim Engstrom at 507-379-3433. Feel free to leave a message.