Abstract: An apparatus and method for encouraging and ensuring that a seat belt is properly secured about a passenger is disclosed. The invention comprises a sensor means for sensing when a seat belt is snug against a person secured by the seat belt, not simply when the seat belt has been engaged. Sensor means may comprise a means for sensing pressure that senses when the seat belt is being pressed against a passenger or it may comprise a means for sensing tension in the seat belt when the seat belt is snug against the passenger. Other means may also be suitable, including a thermal sensor or a proximity sensor. Although means for sensing whether the seat belt is engaged can also be used, it does not sense whether a seat belt is snug and is therefore not as advantageous. The invention further comprises an incentive or amusement device and control means for preventing the incentive device from operating properly unless the sensor means senses that the seat belt is snug against the passenger.