This study makes use of econometric models to evaluate the effect of the Ma
ryland seat belt law (SBL) on various driver-involved injury rates. Models
are developed for various types of injuries using a large data set from the
US Department of Transportation's State Traffic Accident Files. Models are
normalized for vehicle damage levels and account for the general impact of
the SBL in Maryland as well as its dynamic effects. The models also accoun
t Tot seasonal factors, unemployment rates, companion effects and other rel
evant factors. The analysis is conducted for single vehicle accidents; mult
iple vehicle accidents, as well as their combination. The results indicate
that the effectiveness of Maryland's SBL vary depending on the type of inju
ry rates examined. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.