SAFETY BELT USE IN NEW-HAMPSHIRE

Shoulder belt use by drivers and right-front passengers was observed in four New Hampshire cities in May 1991. Driver belt use ranged from 28% to 45% in the four cities and was 36% overall; passenger belt use was 33% overall. These results contrast with those in a 1990 New Hampshire state survey, which reported statewide driver and passenger belt use rates of 52% and 54%, respectively. New Hampshire does not have a safety belt use law. The present results suggest that New Hampshire has belt use rates typical of the other New England states without laws. Based on the experience of other states with laws, it is likely that enactment of a belt use law would increase use considerably