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October 1990
POLICE PRACTICES:
SEAT BELT AWARENESS PROGRAM
The use of seat belts is probably the best available
protection for automobile drivers and passengers from serious
injury or death due to accidents. State administrators consider
the use of seat belts so vital to the well-being of citizens that
most States have mandated the use of these safety devices for all
front-seat occupants. Yet, voluntary compliance with seat belt
laws is waning. In fact, during spot checks, police officers in
South Windsor, Connecticut, observed that only 1 person out of
every 15 wore a seat belt. The question then raised is, ``What
can law enforcement do to make the general public aware of the
seat belt law and then get citizens to comply with it?''
To address the problem, the South Windsor Police Department
implemented a Seat Belt Awareness Program. This is an
educational/enforcement program designed to encourage residents
to use seat belts.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
The first hurdle, funding the project, was cleared when the
Connecticut Safety Belt Coalition granted the necessary monies to
cover the cost of the program. This non-profit safety group that
encourages safety belt use also gave the department educational
information that stressed voluntary compliance with State law.
In addition, a local business joined in this community
program. It provided the department with free merchandise
give-aways to encourage seat belt use.
PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
The Seat Belt Awareness Program ran during the month of
August 1989. During the first 2 weeks, the department issued
press releases informing residents of the program, why it was
being implemented, how the program would be conducted, and where
officers would be stationed.
Starting with the third week, officers conducted
informational stops. Occupants of vehicles stopped during this
period, who were not wearing seat belts, were given a verbal
warning and an information packet. The packet contained printed
materials that explained how seat belts prevent injury and death
and how many deaths would be prevented if occupants used seat
belts. Those found wearing their seat belts received
merchandise give-aways or coupons for ice cream, which had been
provided by the safety belt coalition or local businesses.
The final week of the program was enforcement week. During
this week, officers issued 215 tickets charging drivers with
failure to wear seat belts, an infraction of Connecticut General
Statutes 14-100ac. Drivers were fined if they were not wearing
seat belts; they received another fine if a front-seat passenger
was not wearing one. If seat belts were worn improperly, only a
verbal warning was given, and officers advised the occupant on
how to wear seat belts correctly.
Officers conducted both their informational and enforcement
stops at the same time and same locations each week.
Surprisingly, few complained about being issued a ticket, and
many thanked the officers for reminding them to buckle up.
PROGRAM SUCCESS
The program succeeded in getting the residents of South
Windsor to wear their seat belts. Officers observed that the
ratio of persons wearing seat belts after the Safety Belt
Awareness Program was 14 out of 15. By combining informational
stops with enforcement, the police department in South Windsor
brought about ``voluntary compliance'' to the Connecticut Seat
Belt Law. More important, the police department demonstrated
concern for the safety of South Windsor residents by encouraging
them, their family members, and friends to buckle up and prevent
tragedy.
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Information for this column was submitted by Sgt. Thomas C.
Hart of the South Windsor, Connecticut, Police Department.