Safety Belt use Laws in Europe - A Positive Initiative for Saving Lives

This paper provides a preliminary report on the implementation and effectiveness of mandatory seat belt use laws in seven representative European countries. Since the implementation on January 1, 1971 of the first mandatory seat belt use law by the State of Victoria, Australia, many additional jurisdictions have adopted similar laws. As of January 1, 1977, twenty-one jurisdictions had mandatory seat belt use laws in effect.

The experience of the seven European countries demonstrates that mandatory seat belt use laws are effective in increasing seat belt usage when the laws are adequately enforced and are preceded by a comprehensive public education program.