Achieving a High Seat Belt Use Rate: A Guide for Selective Traffic Enforcement Programs

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15254872001PDFResearch PaperUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited StatesManual safety beltsTraffic law enforcementPublic information programsSafety programsDOT-HS-809-244When used properly, lap/shoulder belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45% and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50%. Even greater risk reduction results when seat belts are used properly in light trucks. Although seat belts have been installed in automobiles since the 1950s, the seat belt use rate was only 14% as late as 1984. The use rate grew rapidly to 42% by 1987 as 31 states passed seat belt use laws, and the rate continued to increase each year as additional states adopted seat belt legislation. In 1997, President Clinton initiated the Buckle Up America Campaign. The goal of the campaign is to increase seat belt use to 90% by 2005. The four elements of the plan are: building public-private partnerships; enacting strong legislation; conducting well-coordinated education; and maintaining active, high-visibility enforcement. This report summarizes recent advances in achieving and publicizing high-visibility enforcement. Publicity and enforcement strategies are currently available that will enable communities to reach the 90% belt use goal.129