DIRECT OBSERVATION OF SEAT BELT USE IN MICHIGAN: DECEMBER 1986

Results of direct observation study of seat belt use in Michigan conducted in December 1986 were compared with results of previous surveys in December 1984, April 1985, July 1985, December 1985, April 1986, and July 1986. In the current survey, occupants in cars and light trucks were observed in December 1986. Seat belt use in December 1986 decreased only marginally from the level observed in July 1986. Front seat restraint use among all motorists observed was 44.7% in December 1986, compared to 47.1% in July 1986. The decrease is not statistically significant, since the estimates have a margin of error of plus or minus 2%. Use rate declined slightly within all age groups from the previous survey wave and were as follows in December 1986 (all seat positions): 67% among occupants age 0-3; 34.1% among occupants age 4-15; 38.1% among occupants age 16-29; 44.5% among occupants age 30-59; and 53% among occupants age 60 and older. Females continued to exhibit a higher restraint use than males, 49,6% vs 38.7% 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 ages 16 and over remains significantly higher than it was before Michigan's mandatory use law took effect (44.3% in December 1986, versus 18.3% in December 1984). Additional surveys are scheduled for April and July 1987.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute

  2901 Baxter Road
  Ann Arbor, MI  United States  48109-2150
• Authors:
  • Wagenaar, A C
  • Businski, K L
  • Molnar, L J
• Publication Date: 1987-2

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 65 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Children; Data collection; Females; Laws; Light trucks; Males; Manual safety belts; Restraint systems; Surveys
• Geographic Terms: Michigan
• Old TRIS Terms: Occupant restraint
• Subject Areas: Law; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00495866
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: UMTRI-87-3, HS-039 918
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 31 1990 12:00AM