State mandated car seat

Dear Andy: I grew up just fine without a car seat. Now I have a son, and the state requires them for all children under 8 years old. Don’t you think that’s a little ridiculous? Perry in San Francisco

Dear Perry: You sound just like my old friend Carl. Carl never wore his seatbelt, said he didn’t need it. Carl was right in one respect. He was traveling south on Route 62 one evening, when a drunk crossed the centerline and hit his Saab head on. Carl was thrown clear, and hit the ground without a scratch. Seriously, he didn’t even break a nail. Of course a fraction of a second later, a passing 18 wheeler smashed him flat as a pancake, but I chalk that up to bad luck. The moral of Carl’s story is that innovative thinking may save your life, but not for long. Buy the car seat.