SEAT-BELT USE AMONG DRINKING DRIVERS IN MINNESOTA

Objectives. Among the reasons cited for recent declines in alcohol-rel ated traffic fatalities is the enactment of seat belt use laws by most states. It is suspected that drinking drivers are less likely to comp ly with such laws, although evidence on the relationship between belt use and drinking by drivers is sparse and conflicting. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of drinking to driver seat belt use. Methods. Observational, self-report, and chemical breath tes t data were collected on nighttime drivers in 16 Minnesota communities during September, 1990. Results. Drivers with an illegal blood alcoho l concentration (greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL) were substantiall y less likely to be wearing a seat belt (odds ratio [OR] = 2.17). Belt use was also more common among females (OR = 2.02) and before midnigh t (OR = 1.47). Males who had been drinking were less likely to be belt ed. Belt use was related to drinking before, but not after, midnight. Belt use was nor related to drinking status among college graduates, b ut it was strongly related to drinking status among those with less ed ucation. Conclusions. The present findings provide further argument fo r rapid implementation of passive countermeasures (airbags) and for de velopment of creative, carefully focused interventions to target highr isk populations.