Seat Belt Use Increases in Main Following Change to Primary Enforcement. Traffic Safety Facts, Traffic Tech - Technology Transfer Series, Number 385

摘要

Primary seat belt laws are associated with higher self-reported seat belt use rates and fewer traffic fatalities following enactment. Primary laws allow police to issue a citation solely upon observation of a seat belt violation. In contrast, secondary laws require that police first observe another violation (e.g., speeding) before being able to issue a seat belt citation. States with primary laws have higher observed seat belt usage rates than those with secondary laws. As of July 2008, 26 States had primary belt laws. Maine upgraded its seat belt law from secondary to primary, effective September 20, 2007, with an educational grace period to April 1, 2008. Preusser Research Group examined the effect of the law change on public awareness of the new law, seat belt use, and police attitudes. They collected data both before and after enforcement of the law and immediately following Maines Click It or Ticket May 2008 mobilization.