University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Transportation Research Institute
Abstract
Two studies examined interventions to increase compliance with seat belt laws. Both studies
included physical reminder objects and social influence elements. The first study with a lower
base rate (and lower SES profile) showed a 20% improvement in compliance in the 2 weeks
following the intervention. The second study had a higher initial base rate (85%), which
increased to approximately 90% in the 2 weeks following the intervention. The improvement
was significant for the larger (white) samples in the study, but only for drivers (not passengers).
Because the physical reminder objects were rarely present in the cars on subsequent
observation, it appears the social influence manipulations were responsible for the increase in
compliance. Further study is needed to determine whether knowledge of future monitoring for
the behavior, or simply knowledge of social comparison information, is responsible for these
effects.U.S. Department of Transportation/NHTSA; Office of Behavioral Safety Research (OBSR)http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/86095/1/102761.pd