The overall findings were disappointing in that there was no observable effect of the messages on observed safety belt usage. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in observed belt usage as a function of age, race, or sex. Observed belt usage was associated with greater reported frequency of eye examinations but was not related to other reported health maintenance behaviors. "Saturation" of the message via telephone calls to listen to the message did not lead to increase in belt usage. On the basis of this study it cannot be concluded that brief messages on the effects of safety belt usage and the risk of motor vehicle injury, combined with follow-up messages via telephone, lead to increases in observed belt usage.

The overall findings were disappointing in that there was no observable effect of the messages on observed safety belt usage. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in observed belt usage as a function of age, race, or sex. Observed belt usage was associated with greater reported frequency of eye examinations but was not related to other reported health maintenance behaviors. "Saturation" of the message via telephone calls to listen to the message did not lead to increase in belt usage. On the basis of this study it cannot be concluded that brief messages on the effects of safety belt usage and the risk of motor vehicle injury, combined with follow-up messages via telephone, lead to increases in observed belt usage.

Background -- Legislation -- Enforcement -- Sanctions -- Conclusions and discussions -- References -- Appendices.