ABSTRACT
Seat belt use in the United States is lower than in many other countries, even though all but two states now have laws requiring belt use. Overall use is estimated at 66%, but surveys indicate there is considerable variation in belt use among the states, with use rates ranging from 25% to 84% (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, 1994). In contrast, reported use rates exceed 90% in Australia, Germany, and England (American Coalition for Traffic Safety and NHTSA, 1991; Hagenzeiker, 1991). Driver belt use in Canada averages 90%, and five provinces have belt use rates greater than 90% (Transport Canada, 1994).
