The purpose of this project was to increase seat belt use among 8- to 15-year-old motor vehicle occupants (“tweens”) by using a comprehensive approach involving police-driven educational programs, earned and paid media, and enforcement of Pennsylvania’s occupant protection law.
Fifteen school districts, comprised of 15 high schools, 15 junior high schools, and 31 elementary schools, participated along with law enforcement officers from 13 municipal police departments and two Pennsylvania State Police barracks. Intervention components included three ageappropriate educational programs, innovative enforcement strategies, community outreach, and earned/paid media exposure involving radio, television, and newspapers.
