Which is more likely to impact Behavior Change? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, 37,313 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year. This is the lowest number of traffic deaths since 1961 (36,285 deaths). Between 1961 and 2008, we watched the death rate from motor vehicle crashes rise dramatically and then slowly begin to fall, but what is the motivator that moved the decline? Was it strategic messaging and incentives alone or was it the enforcement of primary and secondary safety belt laws paired with strategic social marketing that helped people make better choices about their safety? It has everything to do with the people and the places to help create healthy communities. I would love to learn more from those of you that have some practical examples of social marketers using “enforcement” as a part of your campaign approach. I guess, I’ll always ask the question “Why don’t people just do what they know is good for them without enforcement or incentive?” Well, that’s a whole different post! Don’t forget to buckle up! (NOTE: This picture was taken at a hotel in Chicago – seems a bit extreme, doesn’t it?)
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