Abstract
In this article state- specific and aggregate effects of United States Legislation requiring the use of seatbelts among front- seat motor vehicle occupants is reviewed. Effects of compulsory seatbelt use on the number of occupants fatally injured in traffic crashes were examined in the first eight states adopting such laws. Results revealed a statistically significant decline in the rate of front- seat fatalities of 8.7% in the first eight states with seatbelt laws. The fatality rate declined 9.9% in states with primary enforcement laws and 6.8% in states limited to secondary enforcement only. Rates of rear- seat and nonoccupant fatalities have not changed since the belt laws were implemented.