Direct observation of safety belt use in Michigan: Fall 2004

Abstract

A direct observation survey of safety belt use in Michigan was conducted in the fall of 2004. In this study, 13,874 occupants traveling in four vehicle types (passenger cars, sport-utility vehicles, vans/minivans, and pickup trucks) were surveyed between September 2 and 20, 2004. 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, as well as to provide follow-up data for comparison with the baseline survey conducted in August 2004. 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 90.5 percent. This rate represents the highest level of statewide safety belt use ever observed in Michigan. Further, this level of belt use makes Michigan only the fifth state in the country to obtain a statewide rate of 90 percent or higher. When compared with the baseline survey, a statically significant increase in overall belt use is noted. Safety belt use was 91.3 percent for passenger cars, 92.3 percent for sport-utility vehicles, 91.3 percent for vans/minivans, and 85.3 percent for pickup trucks. For all vehicle types combined, belt use was higher for females than for males, and about the same for drivers and passengers. 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 about the same for the 30-to-59 and 60-and-older age groups. Survey results suggest that the implementation of primary enforcement along with other enforcement and public information and education efforts have been effective in maintaining and continuing to increase safety belt use in Michigan.