While 75% of drivers nationwide in the U.S. buckle their seat belts, and that is a big improvement, the compliance rates vary widely among the states. Washington State is a good example of high rates of seat belt use and programs that work. In June 2002, it enacted a primary seat belt law, which allows officers to ticket drivers for belt violations alone. The state also launched an enforcement and publicity campaign at the same time the law took effect, which made it an $86 fine for non-compliance. Washington State now has the highest usage rate, with 93% of drivers buckling up. That's up 12 points from the rate before the law was passed. The rate really started to rise when enforcement was implemented, officials say. There is a graph showing a timeline of publicity and enforcement steps and accompanying rates of use. This was part of a 30-state expansion of the "Click It or Ticket" campaign that originated in North Carolina with help from insurers in the mid-1990s. Other participating states also reported big gains, including Vermont and West Virginia. Still, the U.S. lags behind Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Australia, where use rates exceed 90% nationwide. Primary belt laws are considered a prime indicator that use will be high. (Author/publisher)
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