RTSSC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Seat Belt Use: Maple Valley High School Case Study
Authors:	Kimberly Vachal, Mark Lofgren, and Laurel Benson
Publication Date:	Feb 2009
TRID #:	01705806
Keywords:	before and after studies, case studies, focus groups, high school students, rural areas, safety campaigns, seat belt use, surveys
Type:	Research Report

Abstract

Seat belt use is an important aspect in the safety of newly licensed teen drivers. Yet, crash statistics suggest that belt use rates are well-below the desired 100 percent rate. Belts were used by only 73 percent of teen drivers in injury crashes on rural Cass county roads during recent years. Educating teens about belt use is seen as an important means of promoting seat belt use. This research offers empirical research that peer-to-peer and expert witness education are effective as combined in a campaign for this rural high school. The campaign did have some sustained benefits a month after completion although afternoon seat belt use rates were not as affected. Focus group and survey activities conducted during the project suggest that, in addition to education, parents are a key factor in teen belt use. This study initiates a concerted effort to quantify effects of seat belt interventions in rural North Dakota to better understand effectiveness of resource allocations. Additional research will be added to this compendium as opportunities are presented. The findings will be beneficial in understanding the effectiveness of seat belt education among North Dakota's rural teens, and can be considered by safety stakeholders in other rural states.