IMPROPER SHOULDER BELT USE BY MARYLAND DRIVERS
This study attempted to determine the types and frequency of improper shoulder belt use, with particular emphasis on belt slack, in a mandatory seat belt use state. Motion picture films of drivers approaching stop signs in Maryland were analyzed by a trained panel to ascertain belt use and misuse. Over half of the drivers of 1974-1987 model vehicles were observed to be belted. Slack in shoulder belts was the most common type of misuse and was much more prevalent among drivers of domestic cars; 27% had 1 to 2 inches as slack in their belts, and 8% had had three or more inches. In imported cars, only 5% of belted drivers had 1 to 2 inches of slack, and none had 3 or more inches. The window shade slack mechanism found only in domestic vehicles, was most often associated with the slack.
-
Corporate Authors:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
1005 North Glebe Road
Arlington, VA United States 22201 -
Authors:
- Ciccone, M A
- Wells, J K
- Publication Date: 1987-5
Media Info
- Features: Tables;
- Pagination: 18 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Foreign automobiles; Laws; Manual safety belts; Shoulder harnesses
- Uncontrolled Terms: Misuse
- Geographic Terms: Maryland
- Old TRIS Terms: Foreign vehicles; Shoulder harness
- Subject Areas: Highways; Law; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00490331
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Report/Paper Numbers: HS-040 339
- Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
- Created Date: Dec 31 1990 12:00AM