OVERREPRESENTATION OF SEAT BELT NON-USERS IN TRAFFIC CRASHES. FINAL REPORT

This project was carried out to examine the overrepresentation of non-users of seat belts in crashes, and to make programmatic recommendations for increasing belt use. Specifically, its goals were: (1) to determine whether belt non-users are overrepresented in crashes, and whether these crashes are different from the crashes of belt users; and (2) to contact non-users to learn about their reasons for non-use and to identify programs that might bring about a change in their behavior. Two surveys of North Carolina drivers were conducted: a short mailback survey distributed to 10,000 drivers in conjunction with ongoing statewide belt use observations, and a more in-depth telephone interview of a specially selected subsample of 200 drivers drawn from the mailback returns. The first (mailback) survey was conducted in June/July 1987, six months after initiation of the $25 fine for non-use of seat belts. The telephone survey followed in late October/November. This report contains an extensive presentation and discussion of the survey results. Specific recommendations growing out of the project are: (1) national television special programming of one hour in duration should be developed to deal with the topic of seat belts; (2) there needs to be more interaction with NASCAR, the national stock car racing association, in various seat belt promotions; (3) more research and demonstration projects are needed that concern learning how to increase the level of seat belt law enforcement; and (4) the auto industry should strive to develop belt systems that are more comfortable, acceptable, and have a better fit.