The study reports the results of an evaluation of the "Buckle Up or Pay Up: Click it or Ticket" mobilization campaign in Michigan centered around Thanksgiving, 2003. The study consisted of two survey waves: one "mini" survey conducted as a baseline before the campaign, and one full statewide survey conducted after the campaign ended, to assess its effects. Both survey waves were conducted statewide on front-outboard occupants traveling in four vehicle types (passenger cars, sport-utility vehicles, vans/minivans, and pickup trucks). Belt use was estimated for all commercial/noncommercial vehicle types combined (the statewide safety belt use rate) for each survey wave. Additional analyses were conducted on the full statewide survey (post) because of the larger sample size. Statewide safety belt use was approximately 84 percent prior to the mobilization campaign and this rate did not significantly change during the campaign. Comparison of the rates between the baseline and post surveys showed that belt use also remained the same within strata and seating positions. The additional analyses conducted on the post survey revealed the usual low belt use groups that have been observed in the past: pickup truck occupants, males, and young motorists. The study results suggest that safety belt campaigns conducted in Michigan should continue to focus on these traditional low belt use groups. The lack of belt use change during the campaigns suggests that perhaps a message more tailored to the target groups or additional enforcement in the target areas should be implemented in the future. (Author/publisher)
Abstract