NEVER SAY ALWAYS Research explores why people don't buckle up WHEN PEOPLE say they always do, chsnces are they don’t. That’s the word on safety bek wearing according to a recently published book, Never Say Always, written by ICBC researchers: J. Peter Rothe, manager of Research and Evaluation; and Peter J. Cooper, man- ager of Traffic Safety Planning and Research. Never Say Always focuses on what ordinary people think about safety belts as opposed to what experts tell them they should think. Rothe and Cooper point out that this is a departure from other research, which does not accurately refiect what’s really going on out there. “Researchers have a tendency to oversimplify con- cepts like risk and habit,"’ reports Rothe. ‘‘In doing so, they conclude that safety belt non-wearing is a de- viant behavior carried out by a certain type of person. This is not the case. They overlook the fact that there are many practical reasons why people choose not to wear them.”' Some examples in the book illustrate reasons why people don’t buckle up all of the time: 3) When travelling short distances or at slow speeds, people feel their exposure to risk is minimal. One per- son is quoted as saying — ‘‘Wearing 2 safety belt on a short journey symbolizes a person who worries too much about things that are unlikely to happen.”’ 2) Social activities in a car often require people to PETER GRIFFITHS WAYNE MILLER not wear safety belts. kor example, a parent in the front seat needing the freedom to turn around to discipline children in the back seat. 3) An obligation to “community” may necessitate the non-wearing of safety belts. An adult placed in charge of transporting children to an event may end up with «ore people in the car than there are safety belts. The risk of social confrontation may outweigh the risk of injury. 4) A number of people are convinced chat safety belts cause injury rather than reduce it. Rothe and Cooper explain that efforts cunducted to permanently change safety belt wearing behavior re- quire the alteration of human perceptions. ‘‘Compo- nents of education, communication, cooperation and support should be built into these campaigns,”’ says Rothe. “Since it is not always the case that a certain ‘type’ of driver wears a safety belt while another ‘type’ does not, it is appropriate to direct campaign messages to all drivers. Furthermore, the messages should be bas- ed on specific situations in which non-wearing oc- curs.”* Copies of Never Say Always are available at all B.C. main branch libraries. They can also be ordered from: Mary Curtis, Transaction Publishers, Rutgers — The State University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903. eAuto Reverse *Metal Tape Capability *Clock *Digital Display Locking Fast Forward and Rewind °Fader ePerm-alioy Tape Head SPRING BREAK SERVICE CHECK Don't open your hood to a stranger when you can have Volvo Trained Technicians. Seniors receive a 10% discount on labour. Call now for an appointment. Work Downtown? Bring your car in for service and we'll give you complimentary seabus tickets. SK620F wattsich «Continuous Power Handling 20 watts/ch eFoam Surround ¢1" Tweeter ©10 oz. Ferrite Magnet «Mounting Hardware & Metal. Mesh Gritils tncluded. THE AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE WMasteriach Muiomsiive Ltd. 217B (Rear) West Ist Street North Vancouver, B.C. V7M 1B3 988-1404 | North Shore’s Most Qualified Vcivo Team | °62"" 2 Way «Maximum input 30 19 - Friday, March 10, 1989 - North Store News PRE SPRING SPECIAL TUNE-UP s Replace engine oil & pid 1 Battery cables & connections filter. Top up all fluid levels. Wash & clean = 95 Pius parts HOST MAZDA CARS & LIGHT TRUCKS Genuine pa Mazda Parts s & Accessories Specialized Mazda WE: SURROUND’ YOU: Service ‘WITH-SATISFACTION CX 1800 CASSETTE DECK WITH YOUR CHOICE OF SK420F 04" 2 Way «Maximum Input 40 watts/ch eContinuous Power Handling 20 watts/ch Water-resistant Woofer Cone °1%"' Tweeter ©7 oz. Strontium Magnet eMounting Hardware & Metal Mesh Grills Included. en 8 Fue! fitter 9 Air cleaner fitter FREE 20 POINT SAFETY INSPECTION 12. Exhaust system 13. Steering linkage 14, Driveshaft & Universal joints 15. Front & rear 18, Shock absorbers 17, Tiresftread wear COMPLETE OVERHAULS e ENGINES e TRANSMISSIONS e CLUTCHES * SHOCKS