Washington and Oregon were experiencing stagnation in their safety belt usage rates, specifically among "at risk" drivers such as youth, part-time users, and persons living in rural areas. Strategic education and enforcement efforts based on the "Canadian Experience" have improved safety belt usage rates throughout Canada to greater than 90 percent in some provinces. Located close to British Columbia, Canada, Oregon and Washington believed a collaborative approach using the best of the "Canadian Experience," coupled with the successful experiences of Washington and Oregon STEP's (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program - selective media coverage and enforcement of a particular issue over a specific period of time), could increase safety belt use.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goal of the program is to increase safety belt use and to integrate the National Safe & Sober Campaign throughout Washington, Oregon, and the Northwest population. By incorporating the Canadian STEP model, highway safety offices hoped to achieve high safety belt use rates and fewer alcohol-related injuries and fatalities, comparable to those already achieved in the Canadian provinces. Specific objectives included:

• Encouraging all law enforcement agencies to conduct STEP projects
• Institutionalizing the "Canadian Experience," especially with the formation of multi-jurisdictional enforcement patrols after the project financing ended
• Gathering data supporting the effectiveness of the Canadian model
• Documenting and evaluating the planning, implementation, and results of the program.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

• All law enforcement agencies were encouraged to conduct STEP projects following the Canadian model and with the designated Campaign Safe & Sober schedule.
• Participating law enforcement agencies, particularly those under contractual agreement for mini-grants, were asked to submit baseline data and report monthly data.
• A planning team (Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Provincial Police, and the two State Offices of Highway Safety) chose a rural roadway that ran through all three jurisdictions. They conducted a joint media campaign and provided technical and financial support for local project initiatives. This included enforcement, public information, media events, safety belt use surveys, and law enforcement training.
• Participating law enforcement agencies were trained in media relations, occupant protection, child restraint usage, STEP strategies, and general traffic safety. Meetings and workshops were held quarterly in British Columbia, Oregon, or Washington.
• An awards ceremony sponsored by a nonprofit organization was given at the end of the project period to recognize various agencies for their contributions and participation.

RESULTS

Since the Three Flags program began on September 29, 1993, the safety belt use rate in Washington has risen from 78 percent to 83 percent, and in Oregon from 77 percent to 80 percent. Combined enforcement activity has increased safety belt use by up to 10 percentage points in some counties within Washington and Oregon. A few counties have greater than 90 percent safety belt use rate.