Seat Belt Law Credited for Drop in Traffic Toll

The new law requiring California motorists and their passengers to wear seat belts is “living up to its promise” to save lives, the commissioner of the Highway Patrol said Tuesday.

CHP Commissioner James Smith said motor vehicle deaths dropped by 11% during the first four months of this year and that the increased use of seat belts was a “major factor” in the decline. The seat belt law took effect Jan. 1.

“We think California’s seat belt law is living up to its promise,” he said.

Smith said motor vehicle deaths during January through April declined from 983 last year to 875 this year. The most dramatic monthly decline during the period occurred in April when the death total dropped 20% from April of last year, Smith said.

Usage Doubles

“The CHP has been very cautious about attributing the decrease in highway fatalities to seat belt usage alone because there are so many variables that affect accident rates from year to year,” Smith said.

“But the trend seems to be unmistakable, especially since visual surveys are reaffirming at least a doubling of seat belt usage throughout California. Each month of 1986 we have seen indications that more people are using their seat belts--and each month, there are more lives being saved.”

Smith also reported that all traffic deaths, including those involving pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles, dropped 9.3% in California during January through April from the same period last year to total 1,341.

He said traffic deaths not involving motor vehicles were down 6% during the four-month period.