It has been shown that road safety laws, such as motorcycle helmet and safety belt laws, have a significant effect in reducing road fatalities. Although an expanding body of literature has documented the effects of these laws on road safety, it remains unclear which factors influence the likelihood that these laws are enacted. This study attempts to identify the factors that influence the decision to enact safety belt and motorcycle helmet laws. Using panel data from 31 countries between 1963 and 2002, our results reveal that increased democracy, education level, per capita income, political stability, and more equitable income distribution within a country are associated with the enactment of road safety laws.
Malaysia has strict laws requiring seat belt use by all vehicle occupants. However, neither passive devices nor inertial reel belts are mandated. Seat belt usage was investigated among 60 taxicab drivers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1993. Although all drivers appeared to be restrained during an initial curb-side inspection, 60% did not fasten the latch. There was no statistical difference between ethnic groups. Curb-side estimates of restraint use may overestimate actual usage, resulting in falsely low estimates of effectiveness. Requiring inertial reel belts, which would retract if not latched, could greatly increase actual restraint use. This may be cost effective for developing nations.