Direct observation of safety belt use in Michigan: Fall 2005

Abstract

A direct observation survey of safety belt use in Michigan was conducted in the fall of 2005. In this study, 13,677 occupants traveling in four vehicle types (passenger cars, sport-utility vehicles, vans/minivans, and pickup trucks) were surveyed between September 1 and 16, 2005. Belt use was estimated for all commercial/noncommercial vehicle types combined (the statewide safety belt use rate) and separately for each vehicle type. The current survey was designed to provide data for comparison with surveys conducted in previous years. Within and across each vehicle type, belt use by age, sex, road type, day of week, time of day, and seating position were calculated. Statewide belt use was 87.9 percent. Safety belt use was 90.3 percent for passenger cars, 86.8 percent for sport-utility vehicles, 88.1 percent for vans/minivans, and 82.2 percent for pickup trucks. For all vehicle types combined, belt use was higher for females than for males. In general, belt use was the highest during the morning commute and about the same throughout the rest of the day. Belt use did not vary systematically by day of week. Belt use was lowest among 16-to-29 year olds, and highest for the 60-and-older age group.