NCJ Number
79880
Journal
Tijdschrift voor criminologie Volume: 22 Dated: (May/June 1980) Pages: 113-120
Date Published
1980
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The effectiveness of general prevention measures is assessed through the example of a publicity campaign to encourage use of seat belts.
Abstract
Conditions that affect the success of prevention efforts are those relating to type of criminal behavior, to social characteristics of the target group, and to sentences imposed. To test the effects of information campaigns, pamphlets on penalties for not using seat belts were supplied to a sample of 250 subjects at the exit of a supermarket. The pamphlets contained the information that not using safety belts in cars is illegal and punishable by fines, that police officers carefully enforce the use of seat belts, and that drivers who use their seat belts may receive special credits. Results indicate that supplying information actually leads to a significant, if small, increase in the use of seat belts. Less than half of the subjects use seat belts automatically, and the percentage increase in use after users have read the information pamphlet varies from 5 to 9 percent. The threat of a fine causes a 5 percent seat belt use increase, while the threat of being apprehended by police and the promise of a reward produce increases of about 9 percent. These findings suggest that public information campaigns can be a successful tool in modifying individual behavior, especially when emphasis is placed on positive rewards and the real prospect of apprehension. General prevention efforts can be best optimized by intensifying police checking activities without publicizing them in advance. For maximum effectiveness, information about the behavior to be modified should be supplied to the public as soon as possible before the actual behavior occurs. A bibliography and tables are furnished.