Use of seat belts in rural Alberta: an observational analysis.

Objective: This paper details an observational study that estimates rates for wearing seat belts in rural Alberta and compares them with rates derived from a similar study conducted in 1999.

Method: Direct observations of drivers and front-seat passengers of 72,593 light-duty vehicles were carried out at 334 survey locations in communities with populations of fewer than 25,000, throughout northern, central and southern Alberta. In addition to seat belt use, information collected included vehicle type, gender of drivers and passengers and, at intersections controlled by a stop sign, whether or not the vehicle came to a complete stop.

Determinism, risk and safe driving behavior in northern Alberta, Canada.

Introduction: There is evidence that Alberta's rural north is over-represented in the Canadian province's overall traffic fatality rate, even after weather, travel exposure and highway geometry are controlled for.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify underlying reasons and rationales that northern citizens use to accommodate risk and driving behavior.

Methods: A total of 82 individuals participated in 13 focus groups, each with between 5 and 10 participants.