Evaluation of New York State’s Mandatory Occupant Restraint Law: Volume VI: Final Summary Report
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1987-02-01
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Edition:Final report
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Abstract:This is the final report summarizing the evaluation of the first year of New York State's Mandatory Occupant Restraint Law. The results indicate that the major goals of the legislation were accomplished. Safety restraint use among front seat occupants increased from 16 percent to 57 percent after the implementation of the law. Although the usage rate declined over time, usage remained three times higher than the baseline rate. More importantly, there were substantial savings in lives and injuries among vehicle occupants involved in traffic accidents. An estimated 220 lives were saved and 3,500 serious injuries were avoided in 1985. The New York City region had lower usage rates, but greater reductions in fatalities than either the upstate or Long Island regions. The components of the evaluation revealed additional effects of the law. There were increases in restraint use among children, even those covered by earlier child restraint legislation. Almost all drivers were aware that restraint use legislation had been passed and the majority were in favor of the law. There were more than 30,000 convictions for violations of the law in 1985, and the majority were for unbelted drivers. Although the number of convictions fluctuated very little throughout the year, the perception that the law was being strictly enforced declined over time. The fines imposed were generally $20 or less, and only five percent were $50, the maximum allowed under the law. Recommendations are made for planning future efforts to increase usage rates and evaluate the effects of mandatory occupant restraint laws. /Abstract from report summary page/
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