Final answer:
The driver of the vehicle is commonly held responsible for ensuring minors wear seat belts. Laws vary, but the overarching rationale is to protect public welfare and reduce societal burdens arising from preventable injuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of who will be charged when a 15-year-old is not wearing a seat belt can depend on the local laws of the jurisdiction where the event occurs. Generally, the adult driver of the vehicle is typically responsible for ensuring that all passengers, especially minors, adhere to seat belt laws. It's important to note that the case study provided, related to Antônio's flight experience, is not directly relevant to the main answer for the enforcement of seat belt laws in automobiles.In many places, there are specific statutes that require drivers to make sure that minor passengers are properly restrained. These laws recognize that minors may not always have the awareness or the authority to make such decisions for themselves, and therefore place the responsibility on the adult driver. This underscores a broader government mandate to protect public welfare and reduce the burden on medical care facilities and other social services that arise from injuries due to accidents where seat belts were not used.Conclusion: The adult driver is typically charged when a minor is found not wearing a seat belt in a vehicle. It is the driver's legal responsibility to ensure all passengers follow the safety regulations mandated by law to protect individuals and society at large.