Seatbelt Use Following Stricter Drunk Driving Regulations

We present evidence from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System that shows increased seatbelt use following the enactment of stricter BAC thresholds in states where seatbelt laws are primarily enforced. This suggests that inebriated drivers may use their seatbelts more judiciously to avoid being identified as a drunk driver by law enforcement. The interactive effect of stricter drunk driving laws and primary seatbelt laws are also shown to be more effective than either law passed in isolation in terms of reducing traffic fatalities.