Data were obtained from a nationwide telephone survey, extensive face- to- face interviews, and observations to assess the impact of demographic, situational, and motivational variables on seat belt use. The results revealed that almost one- third of the variance in seat belt usage could be explained by one demographic factor, one situational factor, and four motivational factors. Despite a significant correlation between self- reported and observed measures of seat belt use, the results indicated that self- reported usage figures are somewhat inflated. In over 90% of the observed cases, seat belts were not being worn.
Abstract