Direct observation of safety belt use in Michigan: Fall 2003.

Abstract

A direct observation survey of safety belt use in Michigan was conducted in the fall of 2003. In this study, 11,723 occupants traveling in four vehicle types (passenger cars, sport-utility vehicles, vans/minivans, and pickup trucks) were surveyed between August 28 and September 10, 2003. Belt use was estimated for all commercial/noncommercial vehicle types combined (the statewide safety belt use rate) and separately for each vehicle type. 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 84.8 percent. This rate represents the highest level of statewide safety belt use ever observed in Michigan. A comparison with the highest safety belt use rate observed before the introduction of primary enforcement shows that the current rate reflects a 14.7 percentage point increase. Belt use was 86.8 percent for passenger cars, 85.4 percent for sport-utility vehicles, 86.3 percent for vans/minivans, and 77.8 percent for pickup trucks. For all vehicle types combined, belt use was higher for females than for males, and higher for drivers than for passengers. In general, belt use was high during the morning and evening rush hours. Belt use did not vary systematically by day of week. Belt use was lowest among 16-to-29 year olds, and highest among the 60-and-older age group. Survey results suggest that the implementation of primary enforcement safety belt use laws and the accompanying enforcement and public information and education efforts have been effective in maintaining and continuing to increase safety belt use in Michigan.