SAFETY BELTS: YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Enforcement of occupant protection laws increases public usage. However, in many jurisdictions, law enforcement agencies have not yet become fully involved with occupant protection enforcement, nor have they given this issue the priority it deserves as a public safety measure. The question must be asked: What is good enforcement and how can it be achieved? The first and most important consideration is the personal attitude of each law enforcement officer. The police officer's personal use of, and belief in, the value of safety belts is important. The officer's knowledge of occupant protection systems, how they work and their effectiveness is a critical element. Full information on the various types of restraint devices should be provided to officers, including both use and safety benefits. Second, police administrators, by taking a proactive stance on this issue, can have a pronounced impact. There is a need for clear direction and a policy position that defines the importance of safety belt use laws for the personnel who will have enforcement responsibility. Good enforcement is (1) the police officer acting as the appropriate role model by wearing safety belts both on and off duty, (2) the police officer actively engaged in education of the public on occupant protection issues, in his routine contacts, special traffic safety programs and presentations before the public, and (3) the police officer consistently enforcing occupant protection laws during routine and special traffic enforcement efforts.