Innovative Seat Belt Demonstration Programs in Kentucky, Mississippi, North Dakota, and Wyoming
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2009-03-01
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Abstract:This report summarizes the activities and results of State-level demonstration projects supported by cooperative agreements from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The demonstration projects were intended to increase seat belt use statewide in low belt use States through innovative approaches. The States covered by this report are Kentucky, Mississippi, North Dakota, and Wyoming. Their efforts and outcomes were compiled to provide lessons learned. The States took different approaches, and two of the States transitioned from secondary to primary seat belt laws during the term of the demonstration project. The programs used a range of evaluation approaches including direct observations, telephone and driver licensing office surveys, focus groups, and analysis of secondary source data such as citations and warnings. All four States achieved significant statewide increases in belt use above baseline belt use rates. Kentucky passed a primary belt law during this period, and implemented a 6-month period where only warnings could be issued. In Kentucky, the courtesy warning period combined with highly visible enforcement and sustained media messaging enhanced the effectiveness of the passage of the primary law. Seat belt use increased from 67% under secondary enforcement to 76% as a primary law State. Mississippi also became a primary law State during this time. Mississippi's program focused on counties with the lowest seat belt use and achieved mixed results. Seat belt use increased from 35% to 46% in Leflore County and decreased from 69% to 65% in Lee County. Belt use among non-Whites increased 12 percentage points, rising from 44% to 56%. Seat belt use in counties targeted by North Dakota's program increased from 66% to 80% and from 58% to 71% in comparison counties. Overall, North Dakota's seat belt use increased from 76% in 2005 to 82% in 2007. In Wyoming, the seat belt use in targeted counties increased from 55% to 70%. Pickups recorded a higher increase in usage than passenger vehicles and SUVs (16.5, 11.9 and 14.6 percentage points, respectively). The multiple successes in these States support the conclusion that the demonstration projects in secondary law and low belt use States are productive and support NHTSA's occupant protection goals.
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