Traffic safety evaluations shape policies, saving lives and preventing accidents.
Traffic safety programs need to be evaluated to see if they are effective. Evaluations help focus resources where they are most needed and inform policy decisions. Three evaluations by UMTRI looked at the effects of safety belt laws, speed limit changes, and public opinions on traffic safety in Michigan. The evaluations showed that safety belt laws reduce injuries, higher speed limits lead to more crashes, and public opinions can influence traffic safety policies.