Abbott: Who's on first, What's on second, I Don't Know's on third.
Costello: Are you the manager?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: You gonna be the coach too, and you don't know the fellows' names?
Abbott: Well, I should.
Costello: Well then, who's on first?
Abbott: Yes!
With college and professional baseball in full swing, we’re heading out to ballparks to watch America’s favorite pastime. The season reminds us of comedians Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. The famous duo may have the most hilarious misunderstanding on the planet as Costello’s character peanut vendor Sebastian Dinwiddle struggles to figure out the starting lineup on the field. Flabbergasted, he gives up and lets Abbott’s Coach Broadhurt have his way with a charade of ridiculous player names.
There should be no misunderstanding about whether everyone in your family should wear their seatbelt, especially children. National Safety Council data shows that in 2022, 599 child occupants under the age of 13 died in traffic crashes. Nearly one-third were unrestrained, with many others inadequately restrained during crashes.
As a parent, grandparent or caregiver, it’s natural to let your kids have their way sometimes. But safety in your vehicle should not be left to interpretation. You’re the coach, so teach them to swing for the fences because seatbelts are a homerun. There are several ways you can level the playing field to set the expectation for their use:
- Make seatbelt use non-negotiable.
- Model seatbelt safety by wearing your belt every trip, no matter where you’re sitting in the vehicle.
- Ensure the restraint is appropriate (car seat, booster seat, or seat belt) for each child’s age, height, and weight and that they’re properly buckled.
- Properly buckle all children ages 12 and under in the back seat.
And remember, seatbelts saved lives yesterday and they’ll continue to do it today and tomorrow. That’s right…tomorrow is warming up on the mound.
In 2025, in Iowa, 63 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of 7 since last Friday. In Iowa in 2024, there were 356 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report.