Maine's motto has not been "Dirigo" when it comes to seatbelt wearing.

Just a few years ago, the state's compliance rate with seatbelt use law was the third-worst in the nation.

Until this week, police could only cite seatbelt scofflaws if they stopped them for another reason. But this week, a new law went into effect that allows police to nail drivers and passengers who are not wearing seatbelts. That means that Mainers are going to need to buckle up.

We know all about Mainers' flinty, anarchistic nature. We know how lots of Mainers don't like being told what to do. We know how independent they -- we -- are.

But sometimes, we're just too stubborn for our own good. Wearing a seatbelt saves lives, and there's not a single rational or compelling argument against their use. Get into an accident when you're not wearing a seatbelt, and you're much more likely to die. That's a fact.

So buckle up. And save your cussedness for some other, less risky situation.