Injury prevention experts are interested in periodically monitoring occupant restraint use and misuse and then working to increase correct use. While safety belt and child restraint system use has improved tremendously over the past decade, there are still significant gains to be realized. This publication is designed to provide you with guidance on how to conduct observational surveys of safety belt use and child restraint system use and misuse in your community. If data are collected carefully, following the methods described in this Guidebook, your observations can be used to: • Increase community awareness about the need for everyone to buckle up. • Provide data to support occupant protection programs and educational materials. • Spark media interest to help spread the message. • Spur government, businesses, and other organizations to become involved. • Increase interest in enforcing occupant protection laws. • Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Ultimately, a reduction in the numbers of injuries and fatalities can be achieved in your community if more drivers and their passengers are properly restrained. (Author/publisher)
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