This paper reviews a variety of techniques that can increase the large-scale use of vehicle safety belts. Activator approaches or behaviour change strategies that precede opportunities to buckle up included: reminder techniques (i.e., buckle-up dashboard stickers, sound-light reminder systems in vehicles, and special "Airline Lifesaver" and "Flash for Life" prompting procedures), role modelling by television stars, educational tactics involving young school children, commitment pledge card signing, incentives, and disincentives. Reward strategies can be direct and immediate, direct and delayed, or indirect. These three techniques for delivering rewards have been equivalently effective at increasing safety belt use in corporate and community settings. The conclusion is that a number of strategies are cost effective for increasing safety belt use on a large scale, and no single approach is sufficient.
Abstract