Evaluation of California's safety belt law change to primary enforcement.

Author(s)
Ulmer, R.G. Preusser, C.W. & Preusser, D.F.
Year
Abstract

Some states allow an officer to stop a vehicle for an observed belt law violation alone (primary). Most require that the initial stop be made for some other violation before a belt law citation can be issued (secondary). On January 1, 1993, California became the first state to implement an uninterrupted change from secondary to primary belt law enforcement. In the six study communities, the percentage of drivers observed wearing seat belts increased from 58 percent prior to the law change to 76 percent soon thereafter. Drivers surveyed at DMV offices indicated that they had knowledge of the new law and were more likel to wear their belts now than in the past. Police officers participating in focus groups indicated that they were pleased with the change to primary enforcement and had received no negative public reaction.

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Publication

Library number
961381 ST [electronic version only]
Source

Washington, D.C., U.S. Department of Transportation DOT, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA, 1995, VIII + 35 + 32 p., 12 ref.; DOT HS 808 205 / PB95-187795

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This publication is one of our other publications, and part of our extensive collection of road safety literature, that also includes the SWOV publications.