This paper reports on a community-wide effort to increase elementary school children's use of seat belts. Twenty-five schools serving over 9,000 children participated in a program of rewards administered by parent-teacher organisation volunteers. Comprehensive observations were made at three representative schools. Categorisation of compliance with safety rules required all passengers to be buckled into safety devices before the children received the rewards. The rewards increased compliance from baseline of 18.1% to 62.4% during the interventions. Withdrawal of the rewards resulted in a decrease to 49% compliance, but this rate remained above baseline. The involvement of community groups and institutions in this safety program is highlighted. (A)
Samenvatting