The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for reducing vehicle-related fatalities and injuries on our nation’s highways. Research has shown that effective State and local traffic safety laws play an important role in helping to reduce motor vehicle crashes. For example, in 2008, States with primary seat belt laws had a 13 percent higher belt use rate on average compared to States without primary belt laws. This publication provides a summary chart of the key provisions of State occupant protection laws and detailed lists of these laws in every State. Such laws include requiring the use of (1) seat belts, (2) child passenger restraint devices, and (3) motorcycle or bicycle helmets. Also included are laws that prohibit riding in the bed of a pickup truck. Except as noted, the status of the State laws reported is October 15, 2008. (Author/publisher)
Abstract