DIRECT OBSERVATION OF SEAT BELT USE IN MICHIGAN: APRIL 1987. INTERIM REPORT

Results of a direct observation study of seat belt use in Michigan conducted in April 1987 were compared with results of previous surveys in December 1984, April 1985, July 1985, December 1985, April 1986, July 1986, and December 1986. In the current survey, 24,414 occupants in 16,225 cars and light trucks were observed between April 20 and May 15, 1987. The main finding was that use of seat belts changed little between December 1986 and April 1987. Front-seat restraint use among all motorists observed was 45.7% in April 1987, compared to 44.7% in December 1986. The increase is not statistically significant since the estimates have a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6%. Use rates within all age groups exhibited only marginal increases or decreases from the previous survey wave and were as follows in April 1987 (all seat positions): 62.8% among occupants age 0-3; 32.0% among occupants age 4-15; 37.1% among occupants age 16-29; 46.9% among occupants age 30-59; and 55.9% among occupants age 60 and older. Females continued to exhibit higher restraint use than males, 48.7% versus 39.7% in the current survey. As in previous surveys, restraint use varied by region of the state. Seat belt use has remained relatively stable since December 1985 when use among front-seat occupants was 44.5%. Finally, front-seat belt use among those age 16 and over remains significantly higher than it was before Michigan's mandatory use law took effect (45.6% in April 1987, versus 18.3% in December 1984). An additional survey is scheduled for July 1987.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute

  2901 Baxter Road
  Ann Arbor, MI  United States  48109-2150
• Authors:
  • Wagenaar, A C
  • Molnar, L J
  • Businski, K L
• Publication Date: 1987-6

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 70 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Age; Field studies; Gender; Manual safety belts; Utilization
• Geographic Terms: Michigan
• Old TRIS Terms: Field observation
• Subject Areas: Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Society; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00493564
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: UMTRI-87-25, HS-040 268
• Contract Numbers: MDE-87-002A
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Apr 30 1990 12:00AM