Abstract
A mandatory seatbelt use law, the first such law in the nation, became fully in force in New York State as of 1 January, 1985. Seatbelt use among drivers and front seat passengers involved in motor vehicle accidents for a 3-month period pre-legislation (Phase 1), and a 5-month period postlegislation (Phase 2) was studied to determine if this type of compulsory law, providing civil fines of $50 for violators, changes seatbelt use behavior. Mandatory seatbelt use legislation is effective in significantly increasing seatbelt use and urge physicians to seek similar legislation in every state.