The Impact of Texas State Legislation on the Use of Safety Belts

Results of the study indicate a significantly higher rate of safety belt compliance following the enactment of the law, and female drivers were consistently more compliant with wearing safety belts.

Abstract

This study was a survey on the impact of the Texas safety belt law. Observations were conducted before the law's enactment; after enactment of the law without penalty fee; and one month and twelve months after enactment of the law with penalty fee. Results of the study indicate a significantly higher rate of safety belt compliance following the enactment of the law. Female drivers were consistently more compliant with wearing safety belts. Young male drivers were the least compliant with the new law. Rehabilitation nurses share public concern with this health promotion issue due to the large number of spinal cord and head injuries which directly result from the nonuse of safety belts.