| Abstract: | Examined differences between jurisdictions with seat belt use laws and jurisdictions without such laws in the relative importance of factors that influence reported seat belt use. 2,047 Canadians, aged 16 yrs and older, were interviewed personally about their attitudes toward and use of seat belts. Multiple regression analyses performed separately for Ss in the 2 types of jurisdiction revealed that, for both groups, the major predictors of reported seat belt use (past and intended) were attitudes toward seat belt use, normative pressure from friends and family to wear belts, and favorability toward seat belt use laws. Up to 53% of the variance in reported seat belt use was accounted for by these factors and the presence of a seat belt law. Implications for public education programs to promote seat belt use are discussed. (18 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
