U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Unveils Study Showing Dramatic Gains in Seat Belt Use from Tougher Laws and Stiffer Fines

Topics:  Ray LaHood

NHTSA
November 23, 2010

NHTSA 15-10
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Contact: Ellen Martin
Tel: 202-366-9550

In urging Americans to buckle up and drive safely over the Thanksgiving holiday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today released new research that shows that states that strengthen belt laws and increase fines for unbuckled motorists see substantially increased seatbelt use.

"We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday travel season," said Secretary LaHood. "For the sake of your loved ones and everyone else on the road, please remember to buckle up and put away your cell phone every time you get behind the wheel."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study confirms that states that upgrade from a secondary to primary seat belt law show belt use gains of 10 to 12 percentage points. It also shows that states that increase the fine for a belt use violation from $25, the national median, to $60 show gains of 3 to 4 percentage points in belt use. Those that raise the penalty to $100 show 6- to 7-percent point gains.

Because many states have passed tougher seat belts laws and stiffer fines, unbuckled motorists could face more severe penalties if caught.

"Seat belts are the single most protective safety device ever invented for use in vehicles, saving thousands of lives each year. Now our research proves that when states step up sanctions, they’re rewarded with huge improvements in belt use," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.

The research was based on surveys of seat belt use conducted by the states between 1997 and 2008. The surveys were done in accordance with NHTSA methodology.

View the summary report here.

View the report in its entirety here.