The social psychology of seatbelt use

Abstract

Two studies examined interventions to increase compliance with seat belt laws. Both studies included physical reminder objects and social influence elements. The first study with a lower base rate (and lower SES profile) showed a 20% improvement in compliance in the 2 weeks following the intervention. The second study had a higher initial base rate (85%), which increased to approximately 90% in the 2 weeks following the intervention. The improvement was significant for the larger (white) samples in the study, but only for drivers (not passengers). Because the physical reminder objects were rarely present in the cars on subsequent observation, it appears the social influence manipulations were responsible for the increase in compliance. Further study is needed to determine whether knowledge of future monitoring for the behavior, or simply knowledge of social comparison information, is responsible for these effects.