Citation

Ryan DL, Bridgeman GA. Can. Public Policy 1992; 18(1): 27-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, University of Toronto Press)

DOI

10.2307/3551553

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A recent court decision in Alberta overturned provincial legislation making seat belt use mandatory. Arguments supporting this decision included the possibility that the life-saving benefits of increased seat belt use might be offset by other changes in driving behaviour, as well as the potential for the same safety improvements to be achieved through a less intrusive means such as public education. A higher court subsequently reinstated the seat belt legislation without effectively addressing these issues. Here, in the context of a model that allows for driver behavioural responses, we survey the evidence concerning the effects of education programs and legislation in promoting seat belt use, and include some new empirical findings based on a survey undertaken in Alberta prior to such use becoming mandatory. We conclude that effective driver education programs must be designed in a way that allows drivers to gain experience with and develop the habit of wearing seat belts. Paradoxically, mandatory seat belt use legislation may be one of the most effective means for providing drivers with the opportunity for developing these habits.