Final answer:
The District of Columbia law necessitates that both the driver and all passengers wear seat belts to safeguard individual and public welfare, as well as to mitigate potential long-term costs to society for medical care resulting from road accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The District of Columbia law requires that the driver and all passengers wear seat belts. This mandate stems from the government's role in protecting public welfare and ensuring safety on the roads. Individuals may prefer to travel without seat belts, but such choices can lead to serious injuries in accidents. The government imposes seat belt laws to not only protect individuals but also to minimize the long-term financial burden on society, which would otherwise have to fund medical care and other support for those who suffer from severe injuries due to not wearing a seat belt.