I am probably in the minority here, but
I actually like the unending intermittent chime on my CR-V. I have never got in the habit of putting the damned seat belt on. I have no objection to putting it on but just never seem to remember to do it. Usually by the third chime I have it on.
On my previous car, the chime sounded once when you first started and the light went off. Deep in my unconscious a little voice would keep saying "seat belt" "seat belt" but for some reason it remained just below the level of doing something about it--kind of like an irritating gnat. Half the time I didn't put the seat belt on until I would see a cop, then I would try to slide it on without them noticing.
So yes, I like it. I have a fear of the air bags and I actually want to wear the belt. But I agree it would be nice if there was a way to shut off the chime for those cases as you mention, a sort of press the button and you get 15 minutes of no chiming.
However, I would not perform any modification to the seat belt / air bag system. It is very complex and will it operate properly in a emergency? I don't know about the Ody but the CR-V has automatic seat belt tensioners that will pull the occupant back into the seat prior to the airbag release. I want that stuff to operate correctly. The air bags scare the hell of me.
As far as intelligence, some of us slide through a driver's test by the seat of our pants. I will admit I am not the sharpest pencil in the pack.
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