Safety Belt Use Laws: Evaluation of Primary Enforcement and Other Provisions

Abstract

As of January 1995, all states except Maine and New Hampshire had laws requiring safety belt use. These laws vary widely in their enforcement options (primary or secondary), scope of coverage (vehicles covered and seats covered), fine levels, and other provisions. In this study, Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) data on restraint use among fatally injured motor vehicle occupants from 1983 to 1994 were analyzed for the effects of the laws. Particular attention was given to the effects of different enforcement options on safety belt use. Conclusions pertaining to a larger population than the fatally injured were obtained utilizing the concept of use rate for individuals involved in potentially fatal crashes. /Abstract from report summary page/