Citation

Williams AF, Hall WL, Tolbert WG, Wells JK. J. Saf. Res. 1994; 25(3): 167-175.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Three pilot programs designed to investigate and evaluate techniques to increase seat belt use were carried out in North Carolina, in preparation for a statewide belt use enhancement program. The three pilot sites were chosen to represent different types of North Carolina communities in terms of geography, size, demographics, and history of belt law enforcement. Each of the pilot programs involved radio, TV, and newspaper advertising on the importance of seat belt use, four weeks of intensive enforcement including checkpoints and roving patrols concentrating on seat belt violations, and extensive publicity about the enforcement. More than 2,500 citations were written for belt law violations during the programs; belt use rates among front seat occupants increased from 65% to 78% in High Point, 69% to 79% in Elizabeth City, and 43% to 81% in Haywood County. Telephone surveys revealed strong public support for the publicity and enforcement efforts.