‘Seat-Belt Law Begins to Click’

After reading The Times article on seat belts, I’d like to share with your readers a close call that took place on a dark street in the Beverlywood area of West Los Angeles in May, 1985. A 1979 Thunderbird ran a stop sign and smashed into my 1970 Volkswagen, directly hitting the driver’s side door.

My car was declared a total loss by both insurance companies. I limped away from the wreck with two badly bruised knees and a severe whiplash that continues to plague me. Why wasn’t I killed or severely injured? I was wearing my seat belt.

JAMES L. BILTCHIK

Los Angeles