The effects of two different public information and education (PI&E) and enforcement strategies on compliance with New York State's occupant restraint law were tested in a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) conducted in three jurisdictions in upstate New York. The police department in one site conducted four PI&E campaigns and four intermittent enforcement blitzes. In a second site, four PI&E campaigns were also conducted, but increased enforcement was integrated into regular police activities for the length of the project. A third jurisdiction was the control site.

Both PI&E and enforcement strategies were successful in increasing restraint use. The public perception of the risk of enforcement resulting from the PI&E activities was more important than the actual number of tickets issued. The integrated enforcement approach did not involve overtime costs and was less controversial to implement. Increases in usage occurred more gradually, but the higher rate of usage was sustained over time.

The ideal program would include elements from both strategies. In addition, the attitude of the police toward the occupant restraint law and their willingness to institutionalize activities that increase both the actual and perceived level of enforcement are important components of a successful program.