Compliance by Young and Older Drivers to the New York Mandatory Seat Belt Law: Does Wisdom Come with Age?

In this study rates of seat belt use by motor vehicle drivers, college students and senior citizens were compared, and their attitude toward the act assessed. About a year after legislation was passed mandating their use, both age groups were observed to have low rates of compliance to the “buckle-up” law (35 to 40%). When surveyed, however, students and seniors reported high rates of use for long (71%) rather than short (52%) distances. The observed low compliance rate suggests a temporary deterring effect of state legislation, while the apparent inconsistency between observed and self-reported compliance needs further study.