> seatbelts save lives…not evidence of anything, given that both are highly effective

“Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half” [1].

The exact form of argument you’re attempting to make has been made against seatbelts. The reason why it’s wrong for seatbelts is the reason why it’s wrong now.

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/seat-belts/facts/index.html#:~:text=Wear...