title: Connecticut statewide sTEP wave evaluation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Selective Traffic Enforcement Programs (sTEPs) are a proven method to change motorists' behavior. Since 1997, the Connecticut DOT's Division of Highway Safety has organized a statewide seat belt enforcement program, with sTEP waves every three or four months. To date, 28 waves have been implemented.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pre-wave and post-wave seat belt observation surveys are conducted by both state and municipal police across the state. Survey results, as well as a summary of all enforcement activity during the wave, are submitted for evaluation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Connecticut seat belt use has continued to rise from one wave to the next in a predictable "saw blade" pattern.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data clearly demonstrate that agencies that have participated in a greater number of waves have experienced the greatest increase in belt use. Belt use has not yet plateaued and additional sTEP enforcement seems indicated. However, evidence from other states suggests that a plateau may occur somewhere in the mid 80% range.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Should this occur, Connecticut will work toward strengthening the round the clock model, emphasizing the importance of aggressive primary enforcement.
authors.affiliation: Preusser Research Group, Inc., 7100 Main Street, Trumbull, CT 06611, United States. lgeary@preussergroup.com
authors.forename: Lori L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Geary
authors.forename: Katherine A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Ledingham
authors.forename: Susan C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Maloney
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000401:mortality; D001336:Automobiles / Q000592:standards*; D003237:Connecticut / Q000453:epidemiology; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D035846:Law Enforcement; D016495:Police; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012449:Safety / Q000592:standards*; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D040241:Social Marketing