The present study uses statewide seat belt observation data coupled with mail survey and driver history data from 4505 licensed North Carolina drivers to address whether non- users of seat belts are overrepresented in crashes and violations, and whether these crashes differ from the crashes of belt users. Results show that non- users have 35% more accidents and 69% more violations than users. Drivers most likely to increase their belt wearing as a result of a law include females, non- whites, and those with fewer prior traffic violations. Further characteristics of seat belt users and non- users are examined and the findings used to identif approaches to increase seat belt use including appropriate target populations, public information and edu./. populations, public information and education needs, mechanisms for delivering messages, enforcement needs, etc.cation needs, mechanisms for delivering messages, enforcement needs, etc.
Abstract