    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 4 (Monday, January 27, 1997)]
    [Page 89]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Memorandum on Increasing Seatbelt Use

    January 23, 1997

    Memorandum for the Secretary of Transportation

    Subject: Increasing Seatbelt Use Nationwide

        We have made steady progress in improving highway safety over the
    years. However, there are still far too many tragic and unnecessary
    deaths and injuries on the Nation's roads. As a first line of defense,
    we must all wear seatbelts. Seatbelts protect passengers not only in
    frontal crashes, but also in side, rear, and rollover crashes, saving
    about 10,000 lives a year. I understand that about 70 percent of the
    population use seatbelts. Increasing seatbelt use will clearly save more
    lives and reduce injuries.
        I hereby direct you, working with the Congress, the States, and
    other concerned Americans, including the automobile and insurance
    industries, and safety and consumer groups, to report back to me in 45
    days with a plan to increase the use of seatbelts nationwide. The plan
    shall address, among other things, the State laws that require the use
    of seatbelts, assistance from the Department of Transportation to
    improve those State laws, and a comprehensive education campaign on
    behalf of the public and private sector to help the public understand
    the need to wear seatbelts.
        You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the
    Federal Register.
                                                William J. Clinton