Most scenes of everyday life depicted in these movies are not teaching young audiences the value of safety, according to researchers. Consequences of risk-taking are often not apparent, for example, because characters injured in crashes or falls often make instant recoveries.

Many characters fail to wear safety belts when riding in vehicles, helmets when bicycling or in-line skating, or life jackets when boating. Jay-walking and not looking both ways before crossing a street are other risky acts documented by researchers.

CDC wants the Entertainment Industries Council to revive its safety belt program and expand it to include other areas such as bicycling and boating.