Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
Getting Americans to buckle up: the efficacy of state seat belt laws
David J Houston1, Lilliard E Richardson
1Department of Political Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 37996-0410, USA. dhouston@utk.edu
Abstract:
Annual state observed safety belt use rates over the period 1991-2001 are examined using time-series cross-section regression analysis. It was found that seat belt laws are associated with higher use rates and that the enforcement provision matters. Primary states experience belt use rates that on average are 9.1 percentage points higher than their secondary counterparts. In addition, the level of the fine imposed by statute has an effect on safety belt use apart from that attributable to the enforcement provision. The current median fine of 25 US dollars is associated with an additional 3.8 percentage points increase in belt use. To further increase safety belt use, it is recommended that states adopt primary enforcement and impose fines of at least $50 for violating a seat belt law.
Related Concept Videos
Persuasion Strategies
Schemas
The Anchoring-and-Adjustment Heuristic
Impulse
Additionally, it can be shown that the total...
Frictional Forces on Flat Belts
Elastic Collisions: Case Study
