Getting Americans to buckle up: The efficacy of state seat belt laws

David J. Houston; Lilliard E. Richardson

doi:10.1016/j.aap.2005.06.009

Getting Americans to buckle up: The efficacy of state seat belt laws

David J. Houston, Lilliard E. Richardson

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

Annual state observed safety belt use rates over the period 1991-2001 are examined using time-series cross-section regression analysis. It was found that seat belt laws are associated with higher use rates and that the enforcement provision matters. Primary states experience belt use rates that on average are 9.1 percentage points higher than their secondary counterparts. In addition, the level of the fine imposed by statute has an effect on safety belt use apart from that attributable to the enforcement provision. The current median fine of $25 is associated with an additional 3.8 percentage points increase in belt use. To further increase safety belt use, it is recommended that states adopt primary enforcement and impose fines of at least $50 for violating a seat belt law.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	1114-1120
Number of pages	7
Journal	Accident Analysis and Prevention
Volume	37
Issue number	6
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2005.06.009
State	Published - Nov 2005

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Human Factors and Ergonomics
Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1016/j.aap.2005.06.009

Cite this

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title = "Getting Americans to buckle up: The efficacy of state seat belt laws",

abstract = "Annual state observed safety belt use rates over the period 1991-2001 are examined using time-series cross-section regression analysis. It was found that seat belt laws are associated with higher use rates and that the enforcement provision matters. Primary states experience belt use rates that on average are 9.1 percentage points higher than their secondary counterparts. In addition, the level of the fine imposed by statute has an effect on safety belt use apart from that attributable to the enforcement provision. The current median fine of $25 is associated with an additional 3.8 percentage points increase in belt use. To further increase safety belt use, it is recommended that states adopt primary enforcement and impose fines of at least $50 for violating a seat belt law.",

author = "Houston, {David J.} and Richardson, {Lilliard E.}",

year = "2005",

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T2 - The efficacy of state seat belt laws

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AU - Richardson, Lilliard E.

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N2 - Annual state observed safety belt use rates over the period 1991-2001 are examined using time-series cross-section regression analysis. It was found that seat belt laws are associated with higher use rates and that the enforcement provision matters. Primary states experience belt use rates that on average are 9.1 percentage points higher than their secondary counterparts. In addition, the level of the fine imposed by statute has an effect on safety belt use apart from that attributable to the enforcement provision. The current median fine of $25 is associated with an additional 3.8 percentage points increase in belt use. To further increase safety belt use, it is recommended that states adopt primary enforcement and impose fines of at least $50 for violating a seat belt law.

AB - Annual state observed safety belt use rates over the period 1991-2001 are examined using time-series cross-section regression analysis. It was found that seat belt laws are associated with higher use rates and that the enforcement provision matters. Primary states experience belt use rates that on average are 9.1 percentage points higher than their secondary counterparts. In addition, the level of the fine imposed by statute has an effect on safety belt use apart from that attributable to the enforcement provision. The current median fine of $25 is associated with an additional 3.8 percentage points increase in belt use. To further increase safety belt use, it is recommended that states adopt primary enforcement and impose fines of at least $50 for violating a seat belt law.

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AN - SCOPUS:26944501190

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EP - 1120

JO - Accident Analysis and Prevention

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ER -

Getting Americans to buckle up: The efficacy of state seat belt laws

Abstract

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

UN SDGs

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