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SEAT BELT USE BY CANADIAN DRIVERS NOVEMBER, 1983

Since the early 1970's seat belt use has been a major objective of federal and provincial government's road safety policy addressed by public education programmes, by equipment performance standards under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, and in some provinces, by the compulsory seat belt use legislation. To investigate the effects of these measures, the Department of Transport conducted roadside observation surveys of belt use nationally in 1975, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983. The estimated proportion of drivers taking advantage of shoulder belts when they are available increased from 45.6% in 1982 to 52.0% in 1983 for the nation as a whole. The increase is more noticeable among provinces with compulsory seat belt use legislation (Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia), in which estimated belt use increased from 55.4% to 61.4%. In New Brunswick where compulsory belt use was enforced from November 1, 1983, the estimated proportion of drivers wearing their shoulder belts rose from 4.2% in 1982 to 66.5% in 1983 during the survey period. This survey was undertaken between October 31st and November 6th, 1983. The week of observations covered the day prior to the New Brunswick legislation and six days after it. From the few observations taken on the first day, it appears that belt use was still below 17%, while the average for subsequent six days was 75%. In Newfoundland, the estimated proportion of drivers wearing their shoulder belts was once again higher among all provinces. A very substantial increase was also seen in British Columbia, from 53.0% in 1982 to 67.4% in 1983. In Ontario and Saskatchewan shoulder belt usage rose, while in Quebec it fell slightly from its 1982 peak.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Transport Canada

    330 Sparks Street, Tower C, 8th Floor
    Ottawa, Ontario  Canada  K1A 0N5
  • Authors:
    • ARORA, H R
  • Publication Date: 1985-1

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 67 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00452360
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: TMSE 8501, HS-038 749
  • Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Jan 31 1986 12:00AM