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Mandatory Seat Belt Laws in the States

Evaluation ReviewPublished 1 April 1996
David J. Houston, Lilliard E. Richardson, Grant W. Neeley
Citations28
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score0.45
SNIP0.95

TL;DR

The general conclusion that emerges from this analysis is that seat belt laws significantly impact state fatal injury rates and primary enforcement and all-seat coverage provisions appear to be particularly effective in reducing fatality rates.

Abstract

This study examines the impact of mandatory seat belt laws on fatal and incapacitating injury rates in the states. Annual data for all 50 states for the period 1975-1991 are used. Pooled time series analysis is employed. The general conclusion that emerges from this analysis is that seat belt laws significantly impact state fatal injury rates. Primary enforcement and all-seat coverage provisions appear to be particularly effective in reducing fatality rates.

Keywords

Social SciencesMedicineEngineering