Abstract
New York State was the first state in the United States to implement a mandatory safety belt use law. Three monthlong statewide observational surveys of front s, eat occupants were conducted as part of a comprehensive evaluation of the first year effects of the law. With the implementation of the Mandatory Occupant Restraint Law, there was a substantial increase in safety restraint use. The initial high rate of usage, however, declined somewhat over time. Within each survey there were only slight differences in usage by time of day and day of the week. Regional differences were a more important factor in changes in restraint use over time.