SAFETY BELT USE LAWS: EVALUATION OF PRIMARY ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER PROVISIONS, DOT-HS-808-324, OCTOBER 1995

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, data from NHTSA's Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) on restraint use among fatally injured motor vehicle occupants from 1983 - 1994 were analyzed to determine the effects of the safety belt use 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 a use rate for individuals involved in potentially fatal crashes.