Note to Hannah Montana: Seat belts are necessary not an accessory

Many parents would agree that 15-year-old superstar Hannah Montana, a.k.a. Miley Cyrus, is a good role model for kids.  But a gaffe in her Disney blockbuster 3-D movie, "Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour" might challenge that opinion. 

Why?  One scene in the movie shows Miley and her dad, country music star Billy Ray Cyrus, riding in the back seat of a Range Rover on the way to rehearsal for the concert tour.  Neither was wearing a seat belt.

Why should we care?  Because, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in about 55 percent of passenger vehicle fatalities in 2006 (the latest data available), the occupants were not wearing seat belts.  Even worse, in the 13- to 15-year-old age group, that percentage climbs to 65 percent.  Unfortunately, we’re not surprised by these grim statistics because a 2002 survey by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showed that when parents were dropping teens off at school in the morning, nearly half the teens weren’t using seat belts.

It seems to us that Miley, her father, and Disney had a perfect opportunity to help influence teens and counteract—rather than encourage—this trend.  Then again, as Hannah herself sings, "Everybody makes mistakes."  Maybe Hannah, Billy and Disney, will take a tip from the rest of Hannah’s song and get it right next time around: "Nobody's Perfect! I gotta work it! Again and again 'til I get it right. Nobody's Perfect!"

Update
Miley's dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, says "we made a mistake" and agrees that seat belt use is "important." Read the full story.

Comments

[Steve D]

Ok, only in the USA would there be a backlash of comments about the use of seat belts. The rest of the civilized world has seat belt use mandated by law because they are so effective at saving lives. So look at this a different way.
Suppose a 14 year old role model / movie star was shown in a Disney film smoking cigarettes. Suppose this was shown as cool behavior. What would you say then. What would you prefer, that you child started smoking because their idol did or that your child always buckled up because their idol did. I think the readers here underestimate the influence film stars can have on young readers.

[Susan]

I'm glad someone else said something about school buses because that's exactly what I was thinking. I don't see Consumer Reports blasting America's school systems and working to get belts on those vehicles, yet here they are going after a young actress for some reason. I've noticed a trend in the media recently to try to find something wrong with Miley Cyrus, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Consumer Reports has jumped in there.

[rachel]

you know its a little crazy that a magazine would print something like this. I mean hello not every one wears their seat belt, why single her out? yes she's a role model to kids, but come on. Back when britney spears was normal and said she didnt smoke and then someone caught her smoking it wasnt made into such a big deal, why this?

smoking and not wearing a seat belt kill people, everyone knows it.

[Galen E]

I believe that while this doesn't deserve national news, this is an important piece and if its part of the script, its there and filmed that way. If its not, its not.

In all honesty, they are probably NOT in a moving vehicle and thus no real harm.

However, I would also argue that some children will notice this. Children notice the most obscure and tiny inconsistencies and will seize onto them. Parents, you know what I'm talking about.

Does this deserve national news? Probably not.

Is the fact that people continue to not wear seatbelts a problem? yes, yes it is. And any steps we can make as a society to mitigate the loss of life due to people ignoring this simple step, we should make.

Hannah Montana! WEAR YOUR SEATBELT!

[Paul R]

Well, if the Hannah Montana apologists would stop kvetching and understand that she and Papa are role models, and do set examples, maybe you all would understand that it does matter. We are part of a community together and public figures do affect others, even if it is in a movie.

The hyperbole here in attacking CR makes me think that this is part of a sad anti-government, libertarian streak in the society and even an organized, defend Hannah effort!

You all probably also think it doesn't matter when Hillary & Co. failed to leave a tip--after all, that's a private matter and up to her. For some, it reflected an upscale insensitivity to working folks. (Later, it came out that they added it to a bill.)

There's been a sea change in TV shows with drivers and passengers routinely wearing seat belts-- and with actors not smoking-- and that's all for the best. Now if they could only portray adults that act like adults that could help, too!

CR clearly spends virtually all its time on the bread and butter issues, on product safety, so comments suggesting otherwise are a real stretch.

I'm just amazed at what a nerve CR struck by daring to raise this issue. I commend CR for doing so-- it reminds people of the issue, encourages people to wear seat belts, and maybe will even get movie producers and script writers to pay a little more attention to what they portray.

[Josh]

Good Grief - let's stick with product reports.

[V]

Seriously, we know the importance of wearing a seatbelt. If others don't, well let's hope we weed them out of the gene pool. But either way, get a life. That's a very american thing to do, to freak out about a scene in a movie while you're sending your sons and daughters to die in a war and/or eating yourselves to death.

[Walt]

Get a life and write about something worthy. Have you ever watched a movie for entertainment? Kids can ride on school buses without wearing a seat belt (because they are not installed on most school buses) and you're going to harp on this kid for not wearing one. Even the states that do have seat belt laws normally do not pertain to rear passengers. Report on more pressing issues!

[PJ McCombs]

News flash: Miley Cyrus is not your BFF.

[Susan in Colorado]

You got to be kidding me??? You made this 'situation' worse by bringing light to the subject. I doubt that anyone would really notice to begin with. Mistakes happen and it was something overlooked. I don't think this is front page news. What next, Miley forgot to look both ways before crossing the street?

[Cathy]

It's easy to say it's parents' responsibility to keep their kids safe, but wait until you have teens. Teens act on the example of other teens and they often don't follow long-established family rules if they think they won't get caught. I've got another example for you, taken from "The Queen of the Road" column in the Contra Costa Times, my local paper. The media should show *negative* consequences for unsafe teen behaviors.

"While watching one of my favorite programs, "Monk," I got a little perturbed when one of the regular characters, a 16-year-old girl, received her license and on what appeared to be the very next day was transporting three other teenagers. Then, she picked up the police captain friend of her mother, and he said nothing about the fact that she has to drive with an adult over the age of 25 when carrying passengers under that age with a provisional license.

The program takes place in San Francisco. I think this is a bad example for teenagers who might be watching the program."

[Ana]

OMG!! REALLY!! Have you not have better thing s to look at then a Hannah movie. The kids were there to enjoy themselves and I never even noticed that there wasn't a seatbelt on. Please lets look at cleaners and other everyday items that we are exposing our kids to. Let these kids enjoy a movie without judging. I feel strongly about seatbelts, car seats adn tethers in the car but come on. It's things like this that causes a young star to drift away. This makes me like her more for my kids because nothing else bad was found that they had to come up with this. Get a real job.

[Elizabeth]

This comes down to a simple privacy issue. Mind your own business. Miley Cyrus and her father are not reponsible for educating the world about seatbelt safety. That is what parents are for. It is beyond ridiculous that a consumer publication is going to attack this girl and her dad for a simple mistake that is their business alone. Who hasn't forgot to buckle up their seatbelt once or twice? And my view is if it does not hurt you, then keep your criticism of it to yourself.

[bruce]

Wow, what an awesome marketing opportunity to tag on this story to the headline news that Miley Cyrus is getting right now for her concert movie. I also didn't notice that she brushed her teeth after she ate dinner that night. Maybe you could bring that up to the American Dental people to get them some free publicity also? Or maybe next, you could just show some soldiers in Iraq driving around without seatbelts? I hear the war is also a popular news item these days and you could do the same thing with that that you did with this..

[Concerned Citizen]

I can't believe that this made national news. This country is going to need a lot of help in the upcoming years if this is what we are focused on. I understand saftey and all and I am a father. I feel that the media pushes too much for entertainment figures to raise our children. The media puts way too much coverage on what these entertainers do and to me makes it sound like that our kids are doing what they do. I just don't get this kind of story at all. Maybe I am missing something but if Miley Cyrus is wearing a seat beat or not should not be national news. There are a lot of more pressing issues to be covered in this country than that.

[annoyed]

This is pathetic. Kids would not have even noticed if you had not pointed it out. Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant...in REAL LIFE. This is a movie. I think the finger should be pointed at you. Not Mylie Cyrus.

[Jeri Fantuzzo]

Hummmm, now how many school buses aross the United States
are making seat belts available to 13-15 year olds or even younger? While you are watching the parents pull up in front of schools, with kids not wearing seat belts, look over at all those school buses pulling in, with children standing up and walking around on the bus. Miley buckle up! Remember you have goof balls watching.

[Pam]

There are far more important things than not wearing a seatbelt--in the backseat of a vehicle--in a movie! Although I do wear my seatbelt, I personally feel that wearing one (or not) is not something the government should be regulating. When my son was little, I made sure he was in his baby seat, then the toddler seat, then a booster seat, then regular seatbelt. From the time he was old enough to buckle the seatbelt himself, he ALWAYS does it--even now that he's in college. I didn't need a movie to "help" me in this area, or any other area of parenting. I did it myself because I'm the parent.

(Why is Consumer Reports reporting on this anyway?)

[Melissa]

Dear Consumer Reports,

I am the parent of a 10 year old daughter whom I take full advantage of sending her to school that my taxes pay for. I am a little concerned that you have a lack of information regarding Miley Cyrus. At one point in time, this kid went to a regular school. Her mother and father put her in the hand of our educational system and look what happened.
She rode the bus and noone taught her to wear a seatbelt!-JK
IF YOU ARE THAT WORRIED ABOUT KIDS AND SEATBELTS GO AFTER OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM! QUIT TRYING TO GET RATINGS BY NAME DROPPING AND LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE. I have to say I was a fan of the mag but this makes me ill and I will rethink the trash that I thought was a treasure.
Stick to what your used to and quit trying to be the next TMZ!

[andrea pitts]

This article is precisely what is wrong in America today- Placing blame on a 15 year old, clean, Christian-based role model and her father for the deaths of teenagers in America. Miley is one of the few role models that I feel comfortable with letting my daughter idolize and to find fault with her for something that took place on a movie set is absolutely absurd. This was obviously an oversight with the movie producers-Yes, she should have been wearing a seat belt, but she wasn't actually ON THE ROAD DRIVING. With all the Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan's running around in America today, I find it hard to believe to pick on Miley Cyrus for something so trivial.Shame on you Consumer Reports. Miley and Billy Ray, you rock!!

[Doug]

This is really refreshing to see prople finially making statements such as this and getting off the kick that its always someone else's fault for what they decide to do. Self responsability, self accountability, and and self control is more of what we need in this country. Now if we could just get our government to gain the same integrity. Now thats a fantasy!

[Deana]

Seriously? Its the BACK SEAT! Last I checked, its not law to wear one in the back seat after a certain age/size. Is she jumping up and down on the seat? Come on, get a life. No teenager is goping to say "hey miley didnt wear a seat belt so neither will I" How many movies do we see where the driver or passenger arent wearing belts? GO report on them!

[Chris]

This is completely ridiculous. Those type of scenes are filmed on closed courses under expert supervision, so a seat belt is not necessary. The people who should be chastised here, are the parents who are writing and/or supporting this type of nonsense. Maybe you should spend more time educating your children and less time on the computer complaining (by the way, do you even know where your kids are right now?) Maybe if you took the time you are wasting here, to tell your child, 'this is a closed course with safety professionals nearby, that's the only time it's safe to ride without a seatbelt,' your children would understand and would be safe. Parents who start these kind of arguments are the ones who have no idea where there children are. Your kids our pregnant at 13, smoking crack and running away from home, while you are trying to hold companies like Disney responsible for your lack of parental guidance. Get a life, do your job as a parent and stop blaming other people/companies for you laziness.

[BubbasMom]

Don't you people have anything better to do? Last time I checked, I am responsible for teaching my daughter right from wrong not Disney or any other tv show or movie my daughter watches, let alone a 15 year old girl who is still growing up herself.

Are you perfect? Dig inside and think about how it would feel to be 15 and have the media talking about every mistake you made. And we wonder why all of these teen stars end up with so many emotional issues. Just give these poor kids a break! We as parents are responsible for teaching our children right from wrong and not anyone else!!!!!

[James Reedy]

This is exactly what is wrong with the Country today to many people wanting to make us belive the way they do. Everyone do everybody else a favour shut up mind your own buisness! As far as seat belt laws go they are just plain old dumb if you want to wear one then fine if you dont thats fine too its your life to live as u see fit not as big brother the goverment or anyone else sees fit. This is America were free to do as we please in the pursuit of happiness and wearing a seat belt has never saved another drivers life and parents are in charge of there own children if they wear one fine if not then they might learn the hard way.

[josephine]

Please get real. A note to Hannah expressing your concern for her safety would be enough. Children watching the movie are not looking for seatbelts. Even my 9 year old knows that she is in front of a camara shooting a movie not actually traveling across the country. She realizes that this is not real. I am glad you were able to find something so wrong with her. I would put her up there with Paris, Lindsy and Britney and her sister.

[steve]

When movies and videos are shot, the people in the vehicles are not really driving the car. They are either on back of a flatbed trailer and in tow with an escort of other vehicles, or they superimpose the windows with video like they are moving. They are in little danger if any for not wearing them. It's an oversite by the production staff. I doubt if kids are watching and saying "if she doesn't wear her seatbelt i'm not." This is a job for the parents to enforce.

[charles]

Is this the worst thing you could find out about this kid? Why did someone spend that much time scouring this video to find that small of a detail? Don't you have better things to do with your time?
Having raised 5 kids and still dealing with 2 teenagers, the last thing any of them would notice is "was she wearing a seat belt". Good Lord, complain about something else

[~*Lisa*~]

Talk about putting the blame where it isn't deserved. Seatbelt safety starts at home, and instead of the media constantly talking about how stars impact our lifes as role models, adults and parents should step up and be the ones to truly impact the seat belt issue. I'm sure this isn't the first movie to *gasp* show someone not buckled up, nor will it be the last. I doubt it was intentional or part of her evil plan to not be a role model. Lately I just think its trashy how the media seems to keep attacking her, please go after those who want the limelight and do trashy things, all the criticism is how a lot of really good young stars become people we don't recognize. Btw, note to Consumer reporters: Find reporters reporting about something that actually makes a difference, Shame on you for using Hannah to trash talk, get the hits to your blog, and act like you are doing it because of a "Safety" issue. Can You say Tacky?

[belinda]

With the war and all the dying there, this is the best you could come up with? Are we really relying on a 15 yr. old movie star to teach our children right from wrong? Someone here has definatley done something wrong and it's NOT Miley Cyrus.

[sue]

Good grief, the movie was filmed on a stage soundset. They most likely don't have seatbelts on those props in the first place. Do you know how many times I've seen kids older than required to be placed in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat of a car jumping around. I'm 40 years old and when I'm in the back seat of a car, I don't wear a seat belt. Adult are just as vonurable as kids are when it comes to getting into accidents. In most states, it's not even required to wear a seat belt if you're in the back seat. Just because she is an up and rising star and has hit fame, it's really sad that she has to be watched and picked over by the media. Leave the poor girl alone. It really bothers me that when one of the up and coming stars starts to make if famous, they are critized by every little move they make and for every little thing they do.

[Becca E.]

I would just like to point out one thing... when Hannah got the car in the perfum episode, both she and Lilly buckled up as soon as they got in the car. That being said, what about all the movies/t.v. shows that don't have the POLICE officers buckling up? You know, the 'real' role models?

[Jennifer]

So what. Everyone makes a mistake. Maybe it was poor editing who knows. What a prefect time to say to a child who does notice this yes she isn't wearing and seatbelt but she should be wearing one. Use this as a teaching tool. If people rely on a movie to teach them right and wrong there are bigger problems here then someone in a movie not wearing a seat belt.

[Ms. Stephens]

Are you serious?!!!!!  So are you telling me that someone actually took the time to break down this movie, frame-by-frame, and wasted energy writing about what-a unbuckled Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus? Yes, they should have their seatbelts on; that's a given, but was she participating in underage drinking or doing drugs or having a baby while riding unbuckled? Can we give some of these young stars that are being a positive influence on our young children any positive feedback for what they do? And this is coming from Consumer Reports of all places! Let the entertainment mags and shows stick to what they do best-it's not a good look on you, Consumer Reports!

[vilte]

hey hannah i no u made a mistake but i love u

[Dean Morrow]

Can we please GET REAL??? Who cares!!!!

[Tween Mom]

Okay, now you have pointed it out - but did you have to take such a tone to do so? A mag of this stature with such a fine reputation for providing accurate, useful information could have suggested a PSA opportunity with Miley, her Dad and the entire Disney entertainment group, one where they admit an oversight or even an error in judgement and the reinforcement of a lifesaving strategy that indeed should apply as common sense to anyone beyond the age of needing a booster car seat and someone else to buckle them in.
Good catch - bad tactic - reduces you to the level of tattletale paparazzi. Shame on you for not considering your own reputation in the handling of this information.

[John S. Kisch]

Hannah should add the following line to her song, "Nobody's Perfect except for Consumer Reports" That you actually pay people to come up with this stuff is amazing! You folks must be suffering from hypoxia, trying to exist in the rarefied air of the moral hight ground. Please answer me a question Oh Mighty Know-It-All, How many seat belts on a school bus?

[Russ Craber]

I believe the government should regulate not only whether or not we wear seat belts, but also what our cholesterol levels should be, what our body fat can and cannot be, what we eat (please protect me from Krispy Kreme), and what we wear.

It is, after all, for the good of society that we all remain healthy.

Thanks for the 3rd grade tattle, CR!

[robert murphy]

Its a sad commentary on todays supposed news when the most smut you find on a star is "no seat belt" !! Get a life ,folks
Safety in the back seat of a car is the parents job,not a 15 year old kid in a movie!!
Great reporting,will watch your news again...NOT

[TU]

Is this the point where the media starts tearing apart another young star? These so-called journalists make rather flippant comments about people in the spotlight when they have no clue about what might really be going on. I'm sure if her father was there and he's ok with it, then who the h__ are you to question it? Are you her parent? Go pick on Britney, she's got issues, but let's not tear someone down who has just started her career.

[alycia]

i agree that hannah montana SHOULD have been wearing a seatbelt because it shows kids that "hey hannah doesnt wear one, so why should i?"

but also, there ARE worse things going on in the world right now, but to a role model to a lot of kids -- put on a seatbelt, its not that hard.

[pw]

THis is completely insane. if this is the best new you have, refer me to a new blog. half the people who watch that movie are like 6 years old and i dont think theyll be watching if she has her seatbelt on! Theyll be glued to miley's face!

[arb]

Dear Consumer Reports. Get a life.

[Christine and Avery]

My daughter and I saw the movie along with her friends, not one single person noticed that seatbelt "issue". I am soley responsible for my childrens actions, I like others have chosen to be the parent and not a 15year old dictate what my children do. I grew up watching famous people smoke did I? NO my mother set the rules in our house so I did not smoke. I wish that the small minded media people would leave Miley alone and let children enjoy some happy people in their lives.

[Christine]

Why don't we just take MORE time and criticize every move celebrities make!!! I'm sure it took someone LOOKING for a critical mistake who actually caught this "no seat belt wearing" scene. For one thing, she's a freakin' Disney Character playing a role!! It wasn't REAL!! Why don't I criticize Mickey Mouse for only having 4 fingers or not talking back to me at Disney World??!!!?? He's not real!! This is completely REDICULOUS!! I'm sure Miley Cyrus is the reason for all the YOUTHS in the world not wearing seatbelts...they all have parents you know?? I think they deserve the responsibility for their own Children--NOT some Disney Character!! This is sooooo sad that this is newsworthy....what a sad world we live in!!

[Rachelle]

Ok - how about blasting the parents that don't make thier kids buckle up. Not some kid in a movie. I mean seriously, we have got to stop blaming other people for our problems and put the blame where it belongs. It is common sense to buckle up in the back seat. It isn't a law, but people should know better. I wish the media would stop blaming celebrities and movies and tv and video games for kids bad actions. Parents should be teaching their kids, not these other things.

On top of that I am sure the kid didn't write the scene. So, put the blame where it belongs.

[Curt]

What's next? "OPRAH SPOTTED EATING JUNKFOOD"? The nannies at CR really need to get a life.

[JC]

Basketball great Charles Barkley once said, "I am not a role model." If we as parents have come to the point where we allow celebrities of any sort to decide whether our children wear a seatbelt, say no to drugs or brush their teeth then we are truly in a sad state. I have a responsibility to educate my children, not Miley Cyrus, Disney or anybody else. To place the blame on someone else would be a disservice to them and my parental role. This is what Sir Charles meant and you know what, he's right.

[HOward MAndel]

This article is a textbook example of what is going wrong with US journalism. Leave the kid alone. Parents are responsible for their own children not an entertainment product created (brilliantly I might add) by Disney. I hope that the Cyrus girl can separate herself from the self-indulgent authors of articles like the above and not let them make her crazy. I mean here is a 15 year old girl who has someone actually writing a nationally viewed article about whether she is wearing a seatbelt. YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING. I pity the girl having to put up with stuff like this and hope she can live through her stardom. Hopefully she has people shielding her from exposure to this foolishness.

[M. Aguiar]

Its pretty sad that this society is so lacking in real role models that it places the responsibility upon famous children to set the example. Celebrity and priviledge has its own set of challenges for these young people, and frankly those poor kids do not need the added pressure. How many teen sensations actually grow up to be well-adjusted successful adults? I wear my seat belt and take responsibility for my children doing so. They don't need Hannah Montana to reinforce it for them. Leave her alone, give her a chance to grow up as normal as possible, I would hate for her to become the next walking tragedy/industry joke that poor Britney evolved into because she cracked under the pressure of try to measure up.

[Alexz]

OMG!! YOU PEOPLE DONT HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO WRITE ABOUT OR WAS IT A CONTEST TO SEE WHO COULD FIND SOMETHING BAD ON MILEY FIRST!! GET A LIFE

[slou]

Consumer Reports owes this girl an apology for a personal attack for something that she undoubtedly had very little control over. She was not the producer or director of this movie, she was an actress. If her script didn't tell her that her character was to put her seatbelt on, then she would have no reason to do so. And do you really think the director would be interested in a 15 year old's input, even if she tried to bring it up? If you want to point out that Disney executives may have been remiss, that's fine. But to attack this lovely young woman and her father? You should be shamed of yourselves.

[Amanda]

This is so stupid! Are you really serious! Just because of her success doesn't mean she should be crucified for not wearing a seat belt!!! Maybe you guys are just trying to stir up publicity and cause attention to your web, magazine or whatever it is you guys have since she's so popular right now. Congrats on a stupid article!!

[Lippy]

Normally, Consumer Reports is right on target. But this fits into the "making a mountain out of a molehill" category. I would be willing to bet that few, if any, of the kids who saw that movie would remember whether she did or didn't wear a seatbelt. I think parents are the ones who should be dictating the use of seatbelts by children. If someone's parenting skills are so weak that a Disney star could so easily undermine their rules, that parent needs a new set of guidelines.

[KinTexas]

If this is all that anyone can come up with, I think there is not a problem at all!!!! At least she isn't pregnant like other teenage Disney stars. Leave her alone! There are kids out there that are just plain ole good kids! I think she is one of them!

[mandyray]

I think Hannah Montana says it best, "Everyone makes mistakes everyone has those days." Nobody's perfect.

[fabulous]

OMG you guys should chill-ax!!!!!!!!!!! SHEEEEESH. STOP picking on people get some bettter news to talk about

[Sarah A.]

Its ridiclous. My 6 year old daughter loves Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus. I dont leave it up to TV personalitys to teach my child saftey. Nor would I ever depend on it. Here we have a young awesome role moedel for young girls thats not going psycho, doing drugs, driving drunk, or getting pregnant. How about we leave her alone.

[becs]

Thank you for bringing this matter up. It's about time! I often notice when someone's not wearing a seatbelt in movies, including the well-received Juno. It appeared this pregnant teenager did not wear one while driving alone several times. (Sarcastically said) I can only guess that if she smoked or drank alcohol during her pregnancy, the movie would be boycotted. And those things are legal.

*Especially because* not wearing a seatbelt is *against the law*, I'm truly baffled as to why (in family-friendly movies) some aren't wearing them.

[M Trustdorf]

One has to wonder how you can put any sort of a positive spin on the use of a "back-up camera" by Mr Cage in such a destructive manner, while at the same time berating Miley's non-use of seatbelts in a sanely driven automobile. By the way, neither of the front seat occupants in the Nicolas Cage scenes is wearing seat belts !

[hautumn]

This is absolutely ridiculous!! It is not up to Disney, Billy Ray Cyrus, or his daughter to influence, convince, or insist that teens wear their seatbelts. I understand that it is important to wear a seatbelt (even in the back seat); however, I find it absurd that the parents, organizations, and the media are pointing the finger at Disney and Miley for a problem that parents and teens need to address.

[Shellie]

Excuse me?? This was a MOVIE!! Hello?? The scene was probably shot on a backlot when the car wasn't even moving!!!! When you see Miley Cyrus on the highway or on a downtown street without her seatbelt, then you might have a point. Until then, this isn't even news!

[djs]

And to think she goes by two names.....what would home front security think....an assumed name....now there's your pulitzer

[Mike in LA]

I can understand trying to make a point about seatbelt safety, but this smacks of bad sensationalism and hardly fair journalism. I’m not a Miley fan particularly, but I your own article you state that it was just one scene. I hope this doesn’t have a backlash for you and hurt your credibility, but just as an average consumer it really seems like you are taking pot shots at a celebrity just to make your otherwise valid point. Overall a cheap shot.

[DragonDiva]

I am a loyal subscriber of CR and depend on them religiously when it comes to buying cetain products. (True!) That being said, it is regrettable to witness CR crossing over to the papparazzi's side and point the finger at a person rather than a product. If I want those kind of opinions I'll subscribe to the People magazine website not the CR website.

[ariemus]

Come on, so what if they did not put on their seat belts, its a freakin movie. In movies, you see lots of "unsafe" things going on. Like kids running into the street, not looking both ways before they cross. How about when the driver doesnt even keep his/her eyes on the road while talking to the passanger. Is Consumer Reports going to sue the movie "Home Alone" for negligence and child endangerment since they left the child by himself.

Last time I checked Consumer Reports didn't have a movie review section.

[Ray]

It is a movie isn't it? What is the saying from the song many years ago...it's all in the movies???

[Laura]

I personally do agree that it should be noted that there was yet another Disney movie without people wearing appropriate seatbelts. As of late (pointed out by my 4 year old daughter), we have noted that Chicken Little and Toy Story show 2 major safety issues - young children, even a baby in Toy Story, in the front seat and no one is wearing their seatbelts. I realize that these are animated movies and should be taken with a grain of salt so to speak but nonetheless it becomes an issue when young children question why they can't sit in the front seat or why they have to wear their seatbelts and sit in carseats. In part, Disney is geared to the younger generation and if we want safey to be promoted then they need to promote in movies and shows.

[Freezing In Wisconsin]

Out of all the movies that have come out in the past 10 years....You just now choose to say something about this. Come on, why pick on just Miley for this. I do not recall seeing the guys in Dukes of Hazard or The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift making sure they were buckled in. Why not chastise all of Hollywood instead? Think a little bit before you rip one single person apart.

[Stephanie]

First of all, I went to see the movie opening day. Not only did I not notice the lack of seat belt use, but neither did the 2 girls with me. Now, however they can't wait to "verify" this story if and when the video version comes out. I understand the importance of seat belts, but by reporting this you have just awakened a sleeping giant as the 15 yr old girls will get this story and then imitate it. Whereas in the movie the clip passes unnoticed.

[James]

I live in Texas and in the case you have cited, seat belts are not required by law. Based on statistics maybe they should be, or maybe it should just be their choice after examining the data. However, your uppity blog entry which is now getting picked up on other news outlets (which i am sue is what you wanted) portrays this girl in a very negative light. We have young starlets driving drunk, hit and run, kids not in carseats, etc. and the best thing you can come up with is to beat up on this one....you should be ashamed!

[Heather Broadway]

I think that Miley is a great idol that my 8 year old looks up to. For heaven sake don't you have something better to do? A seatbelt is important. But how about we keep our focus on the drugs,alcohol& teenage pregnancy problems. Remember those? It's like you couldn't find anything else to degrade her for. So you picked this? Well I guess Brittany,Lindsey or Paris would of been better. So far I believe Miley's parents have done a very good job raising her. At least some one tells her no.

[Kristie]

I am embarrassed to be a Consumer Reports subscriber today. Our society just gave Amy Winehouse - who is in rehab - Grammy awards for a song about refusing to go to rehab. But, Consumer Reports is upset that Miley Cyrus isn't wearing a seatbelt in the backseat of a car in a movie?! We finally get a role model our little girls can actually look up to and we just have to find something to blast her about. Gimme a break!

[P.Hawkins]

Good grief.She's 15 & in the back seat.Some states only require children under a certain age to buckle up.Get a life & a story.She wasn't driving.

[Linda B]

This girl has enough on her shoulders without holding her responsible. I am a parent and when my child is in the car - her seat belt is on. I make it a point to have her do this and any other child that is in my care and/or car. I am not counting on Miley or Bill Ray to show my child to put their seatbelts on. Not to mention I saw this movie and didn't even notice this. Besides they were in the back seat!

[XENIA]

COME ON. I'VE SEEN MANY OTHER MOVIES THAT KIDS WATCH WHERE THEY DON'T PUT ON A SEAT BELT AND CAR SAFETY STARTS WITH THE PARENTS. MY DAUGHTER IS 3 YRS.OLD AND SHE'S KNOWN THAT THE FIRST THING YOU DO IS PUT ON YOUR SEAT BELT SINCE SHE WAS 1 YR. OLD. I THINK MILEY IS A GREAT EXAMPLE FOR A 13 YR. OLD. SHE SURE HAS MORE SENSE THEN A MUCH OLDER BRITNEY SPEARS.

[Nita]

This is by far the dumbest thing I've ever seen written. Who cares! It was a MOVIE! The whole thing was staged, they were probably driving in circles in the freaking parking lot. Miley doesn't raise other peoples children, parents do and parents should have sense enough to tell their kids to put their seat belts on without having to let a 15 year old do it via a freaking movie. This is nothing more than "straw grasping" by another Miley hater. She's not my favorite star in the world, but give me a break, at least she's not a drunk, drugged out, party queen. Get off her back and let her be the clean cut kid our little girls love to sing and dance with.

Media! Getting more and more ruthless everyday!

[Cindy]

Something like this probably would have gone unnoticed by most. By making it "news" you are the ones bringing attention to it and therefore making it an issue. I will agree that there may be some things kids pick up from tv shows but habits like seatbelt wearing are formed at home...not based on whether or not Miley Cyrus wears her seatbelt. I can't imagine the lives these poor people lead. Once they are in the public eye they are scrutinized for everything.

[Police Dad]

I just took 3 of my children to see this movie. They were so fixed on Miley Cirus that I think she could have been riding on a tricycle and they would have not noticed. I am in the law enforcement field and only saw a production shot of a movie. If the vehicle was shown going 75 miles/hour down the freeway, different story. What was seen was a conversation between Miley and her father Billy Ray. This should spark more conversation than a seatbelt violation. How dare a father be part of his daughter’s fame? Look at Brittney Spears and her father. How about Macaulay Culkin and his father? Should we be watching these to see if they are buckling up together?
I agree with Bman. Dirt gets attention, but good journalism gets recognized.

[Sarah Waters]

1. This isn't news.
2. "It seems to us that Miley, her father, and Disney had a perfect opportunity to help influence teens and counteract—rather than encourage—this trend."

Puh-leeze - so the girl forgot to put on the belt in the back seat - suddenly she's a negative influence? Must be nice to NEVER forget anything.

And why would we rely on Miley, Billy Ray or Disney influence have such an influence on our teens anyway? Wear your seat belt because it's safer - not because Hannah Montana does it.

[Steve Gaichin]

I agree with the blogs notion that they ( Miley and Billy Ray) certainly blew a great opprotunity to act as role models! Somebody was asleep at the wheel. Think a head or two might roll? THEN of course comes my other question, Am I wrong to assume that seatbelt use is manditory in all states? Hey uhh, duh, "Dizny World Ezeks" You guys better wake up and JUMP ot this one with Both feet. Ps. I love Disney world

[bmr]

The media has been trying to dig up dirt on her for a while now. Why can't they just accept that she is a good girl. Stop trying to find something that isn't there. I do agree that wearing a seatbelt is important, it has even saved my life before, however I don't think that it is hardcore journalism. Hey here is a newsflash for you. We are in a presidential election year, our country is at war, and our country's economy is in the tubes. These things are newsworthy.

[Figment]

Why would Disney worry about Miley's seatbelt? They let the Super Nanny ride beltless in every episode's opening segment. My 7-year old pointed it out!

[Puzzled in PA]

Seat belt safety is very important and we should always buckle up! I just don't understand why people just sit and look for reasons to criticize fellow human beings? What a much better world this would be if everyone just would mind their own business!

[Grace Brandt]

Since when is it a teenage superstar's responsibility to teach your children to wear there seatbelts? Stop pointing fingers and start parenting!

[starr]

I'm soooo tired of seat belt police. I was raised when they didn't have seat belts in cars. My dad smoked when filling up the car with regular gasoline. I don't know when they decided it was flammable and said you had to turn off the engine and put out the cigarette.
We didn't have car seats for kids and we sure didn't have busy bodies running around making sure you were following all the "rules"!!!
Guess What, we all survived and we're still here...my kids and grandkids are still here and we "Baby Boomers" make up a majority of todays population, so what's wrong with this picture!!!! Get over it!!!

[Thomas Messerli]

Focus on criminalizing drunk driver statutes and not on us who chose not to wear seat belts.

[Deb]

Miley has been a positive role model and let's give her that credit. I'm sure she wasn't trying to influence people concerning seat belts.

[Joseph Rodriguez]

OK! You guys need to get a life! The media started having a field day with Britney with the baby in the driver seat story, and look how that turned out.....Just don't even waste your time with this...Let it go, now, before you start a swarm of media stupidity...LET IT GO!!!!!

[Dave Prater]

It's an entertainment film, not a high school drivers education film! I don't recall the Flintstones wearing seatbelts either! Then again, I guess we'll be told that's why they are extinct!

[Jim McDonell]

Good god! She should be drawn and quartered! A 15 year old riding in the back seat without a seat belt! Wait a moment, that's not illegal. We should change the law!

I beat she does other unsafe things as well. We should berate her for swimming, people drown you know; and for wearing heels, she could twist an ankle, fall off stage and crack her head open. Oh my god! I just realized she sings and (shudder) dances at the same time, that's an accident just waiting to happen.

Get real people.

[Angela]

Why is it Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus's obligation to use every single opportunity to use thier positive influence? Is she not allowed to act like the child she is and always has to set an example?
What's next? Will she be criticized for not brush/floss her teeth immediately after we see her eat on screen?

Yes, she has been a positive role model for a while now, but who thinks to put on thier seat belt every single time they are in the back seat? Do you think that just because Miley didn't happen to, some kid out there is like, "Wow- that's cool- I'm not gonna use my seat belt in the back anymore, woo hoo!"

In my household, my children are taught- "different families have different rules. Just b/c your friends parents may allow it, doesn't mean we do." Just b/c Billy Ray allowed his daughter to not use her seat belt in the backseat (it's not like they were breaking a law BTW) doesn't mean that it is going to become the newest teen trend.

Im fact, until this article came out, I never even noticed that they didn't have thier seatbelts on.

[tammy]

I am all for seatbelts, but parents don't put your job on someone else; it's your responsibility to what your kids do not Hannah Montana or another person on TV. Everyone wants to blame someone else for their dysfunctional kids, if you can't take responsibility for your on reproduction, its call birth control. I like to know how many of you are going to credit Hannah Montana if you child turns out to be a doctor, lawyer or surgeon. Keep doing what you are doing and stay safe, most out there wish their kids where half the person you are.

[Bob Heitjan]

Good for them! Lots of us have survived our years without benefit of belts. Anyone ever heard of personal choice?

[Kentucky Chucky]

Whoever wrote this reaaaaaaaally needs something constructive to work on. I hear Hillary Duff's hamster escaped last week and is STILL missing.

[Nancy K]

I can't actually believe this...... Come on, it's filming... Do you really think someone was driving the actual car? NOT! You have go to be joking. Media needs to get a life if they think this is something to raise a stink about.

[MyKidsDad]

My kids (two grown and out and two still at home (7 and 10)) have always worn their seatbelts. Not because of what some kid celebrity does or doesn't do in a movie clip but because I have made them wear them, they understand why they need to wear them and, oh yea, it's the law. So I will parent my children rather than expecting another child to do it by example and I'll hope that Miley continues to be the wonder role model she has been so far.

[Ben G.]

what a sad state of affairs in this country when parents put such weight in celebrities, movies, TV, the disney channel, etc. as valid role models for their children.

do parents really spend so little time with their children? do their children really spend so much time watching TV? so much so that these programs are a greater influence in their lives than their own parents?

the greater concern ought to be the chronic parental absence that this country and its media seem to endorse, tacitly or not.

[Thursdaysmom]

Thanks, Consumer Reports. It is fair to notice and publish something pertaining to the safety of our children. I would also like to see an article about who makes the toys with Miley's image and the labor laws or lack of laws protecting them.

[EMT]

To all of you who are fortunate enough NOT to see the devastation, not wearing a seat belt has on lives. I tell ya, I have seen too many times the waste of life by the careless thought of not wearing seat belts. I am sorry that the rest of you feel that it is NOT important to wear seat belts. However, God forbid, I bet you if Miley Cyrus were involved in a car accident and was not wearing her seat belt and was badly injured. ALL of you would have said. Why was she not wearing her seat belt? Please, for your safety and your kids safety. Buckle up for safety.

[Daniel Sassano]

The people that need to help influence kids to wear seatbelts start in the home. I have two kids of mine own, and it is MY responsibility to make sure they are safe in the car not some teenage actor. So the passage that states "Even worse, in the 13- to 15-year-old age group, that percentage climbs to 65 percent." Is a pretty poor example of the adults in the care not taking care of thier responsibilty to those children

[Luther Coman]

Do you think I'm going to wear a set belt because I saw someone on TV? Comon. I see people on TV smoking while they drive but I don't smoke.

[Alison]

For any celebrity to escape the largely petty and small minded attacks wielded by the media and/or bloggers he or she would have to be completely and utterly without any faults. I am not perfect, my teenager daughters are not perfect and I don't expect their role models to be either. We should be celebrating this girl for the positive image she projects. Shame on you Consumer Reports!

[Jerry Bell]

I'm very surprised by this article and to be honest I haven't seen the movie yet.

However, this is a MOVIE and there’s some facts missing from this article which should be revised immediately!

Were both Miley & Billy Ray really driving in a car out on the highway? Or was it in the studio?

What state were they driving in? The last time I checked there were a few states that do not have the seat belt law (click it or ticket).

I myself "buckle up for safety" as well as my wife, my 7 year old & my 5 year old. However, this is America and in this country there's freedom of choice.

If Consumer Reports wishes to post an article like this, they should include all the facts in the article! I've been member of Consumer Reports for years and after reading this article I will most likely cancel my subscription.

Miley Cyrus & her father are great role models for kids in so many ways. And let’s remember, no one is perfect! Including the person who wrote this article who left out all the facts out!!!

Jerry Bell

[Vickie C]

People, please! It is a MOVIE. Movies are not real life-duh! Miley and dad were ACTING under a DIRECTOR, so blame the director, if anyone-can ya'all get a life? I was in a few accidents when I was a kid, before all these rules (and law-suit madness) and I am still well and alive. Never put an eye out, did not develop cancer because my parents smoked...BE REAL. Find someone else to pick on-don't ruin this beautiful girl like Brittney was...nuff said.

[jen]

Honestly... I find it most sad that Yahoo linked to this story as if it were REAL news.

The stats in this blog show 13-15 y/o are being a surprisingly high percentage. In most cases at this age, the kids are either in the car with friends who have a driver's license or with their parents. Driving with their freinds, the kids lack good judgement. With their parents, they both lack good judgement.

Unless you can correlate watching Hannah Montana to increased automobile deaths, this is just a lot of hot air. It's like blaming the obesity epidemic on the existence of peanut butter.

It isn't Hannah Montana's job to teach kids to have a sense of self preservation!

[Health Care Provider In Maryland]

For all those that said that the seat belt issue surrounding this movie is not important, needs to spend a week, not a day - for it would not effect you as much - here at my nursing home. We have several long term residents that has come to us due to car accidents. One such young lady is 23 years old and has been her since she was 17 and will remain here until she dies. Another lady is 44, mother of three and will never be able to give her children the love they want/deserve due to a car accident. A young man who 21 years ago was injured in an car accidentand is paralzed from the neck down with no hope of ever going home to care for himself. All these residents are the results from not wearing seatbelts. No matter if in the front or the back, out of my 28 years as a Health Care Director, I have seen so many come in to stay long term and just as many die when all it would have taken was 2 minutes to strap in. You be the judge: 2 minutes of safety or a lifetime of pain.

[Kim Stowell]

Wow! You folks in the press just can not stand it can you? A nice, talented young person that seems to be flying right and you just have to go looking for SOMETHING to criticize don't you? Please, get over yourselves.

Congratulations on your continued success Miley.

[ss]

wow...finally have a decent kid in hollywood and you have to search for a problem. How many people/kids would ever have noticed the seat belt..they aren't watching a safty video.

[JWS]

Why is it hollywood can light up in 90% of the movies contributing to the deaths of hundreds of thousands and it is not news. Yet a girl too young to drive is allowed by her parent to not wear a seatbelt and it is suddenly Disney's responsibility, not each parent's, to teach our kids to wear seatbelts. I would find it hard to believe a teen would be influenced either way by someone reaching for or not reaching for a seatbelt in a brief movie scene. But no one gets upset when any number of celebrities blow smoke rings to look cool. Hmmm, I wonder which is more likely to influence teen behaviour....

[LeAnna Murphy]

Shouldn't this be about Billy Ray Cyrus letting his child ride in the car without a seatbelt? After all she is only 15, and at 15 one is not expected to be an adult. He is the parent. She is under his care. If they were pulled over, he would receive the ticket. I think it is too bad that he showed such lack of judgement. But, I would like to think that I as a parent have more influence on my child's safety than some actor/singer. If we don't as parents, what kind of world is this going to be in 20 years.

[Heather]

Please, it was a mistake. Get passed it and teach your kids the safety lesson yourself. And explain in detail what would happen to her if they crashed. I'm sure if not destracted, they would have put them on. It is OUR responsibility as parents to make sure the lesson to our kids is learned. The media has responsibility also, but the bottom line is "Parents - DO YOUR JOB, do it now, and do it right!"

[Rebekah]

I am a mother to a 4 yr old super Hannah Montana fan. I have noticed that the media has been attacking Miley for the smallest things...and it is very sad to me.I took my daughter to see the movie and she loved it...even though my daughter was one of the youngest in the crowd I can honestly say that NONE of those girls were paying any attention that Miley and her father were not wearing a seatbelt in the backseat (I remind you).Normally I could care less..and really what can this comment do but it really rubbbed me the wrong way when I read that about her not wearing her seatbelt.I am just thankful that my daughter has someone like Miley to look up to. I think she is great. So ppl back off her. Like I said those girls watching that concert were busy rockin' out to her and in aww of her being there in front of her in such a realistic way. Media pls get over it....she is not the one you need to be reporting on.

[D'Man]

Leave it to adults to taint the innocence of children's enjoyment.

I would be willing to bet that if interviewed, not one person between the age of 13-15 who saw the movie would have even made notice of the seatbelts not being worn. As a matter of fact, if not for this article, I don't think any child would ever have noticed (consciously or subconsciously).

Is it really that important that we try to find something to tear down this poor girl? Is it so wrong that she's been so successful? Just let her enjoy the rewards or her hardwork.

[Me]

I've gotta say my husband and I went to this movie with our two children, ages 7 and 4, and I didn't even notice the whole seat belt thing. This is probably the most stupid news blog I've ever read. The kids were not at the movie to notice seat belts, and I guarantee my kids didn't notice whether she wore her seat belt or not. We are a family of seat belt wearers... it's just not an option in our vehicles. I'm tired of people blaming role models for poor parenting!!!

[Harold van Beek]

Yeah, and they needed to wear a safety helmet too??? The people in the USA are crazy when it comes to this kind of bull(beep)! Remember Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwartzenegger and Bruce Willis in their action movies they do not wear seat belts, jump out of planes or jump on trains. Is there any info how many children were killed doing those kind of stunts?
Common it is a movie and when they are in this movie they are hooked up to all sort of other things. Duhhh!

[JLee]

Gimme a break. It's a movie and people need to remember, disclipine, morals and values comes from parents and families, NOT THE MOVIES OR TELEVISION! Therefore, if it's an "issue" to any parents who saw the movie and thought it was wrong that she didn't wear her seatbelt, then parents, remind your children about always wearing their seatbelts. Use that part of the movie as a learning tool. Quit relying on TV stars, movies and the media to teach your children what is right or wrong. It all comes right back to the responsibilities of parenting and discipline. Journalism needs to be real journalism! Today's journalism is nothing but trash, untruthful garbage and gossip columns. What a waste of time!

[Susan Chappelear]

I just gotta say that I think it's rediculous that you all think that any of the children that watched that movie would have even noticed she didn't have her seat belt on. I mean come on. We have to remind them to brush thier teeth every day of thier lives, to buckle up every time they get in the car. So if they can't remember to do it themselves then what makes you think they would pay any attention to a small detail in a movie thats not about seatbelts? Get real! I say no harm, no foul. I would guess without you pointing it out none of them would have even noticed.

[kathy]

It is not a star's responsiablity to make sure your child is safe. There is alot of people out there who have way to much time on there hands, they need to get a life and back off Miley Cyrus. People it's a movie back off, if you teach your children what is right and what is wrong they can not be influenced by a movie. Spend time with your kids like Billy Ray does and you will know your child!!!!!!!

Kathy

[Lucy]

Shame on Consumer Reports, you are assuming the Miley, her father and Disney did this on purpose. How about a gentle reminder to Miley, her father, Disney and us about remembering to buckle up instead of this overblown -OMG Hannah Montana is a horrible role model because she isn't wearing a seatbelt and she want all your children to die- overreaction?

Aside from calling you out for this utterly stupid post, good job on getting the main stream media to pick this story up, even if it makes you look dumb.

[Scott]

Media reporters:
I bet when you were growing up, that you wore your seatbelt. Before there were groups like you pushing right and wrong down people's throat, Kids, teens and parents did not wear seatbelts...And guess what-we are still alive. You will not stop until you can find some dirt on this girl. If only you could report the truth in a story, that would be nice.

[Luda Christoper]

Are you people freakin' kidding me?!?!? Give me a break. I used to stand up and ride in the back of the car when I was a kid. I own a 1957 Chevy...guess what? no seatbelts. It was an option. The sanitization of America has to stop. It really is ridiculous.