摘要: |
Reported here are the results of a direct observation survey of safety belt use in a five city area of Wayne County, Michigan, conducted in the fall of 1999. The five cities included in the survey area were: Dearborn, Detroit, Livonia, Taylor, and Westland. In this study, 1,083 occupants traveling in four vehicle types (passenger cars, sport-utility vehicles, vans/minivans, and pickup trucks) were surveyed during September 18 to September 23, 1999. Belt use was estimated for all commercial/noncommercial vehicle types combined and separately for each vehicle type. Belt use by seating position, sex, time of day, and age was also calculated. Overall belt use was 54.5 percent. Belt use was 55.8 percent for passenger cars, 57.6 percent for sport-utility vehicles, 55.4 percent for vans/minivans, and 44.2 percent for pickup trucks. Overall belt use was higher for females than for males and higher for drivers than for passengers. In general, belt use was highest during the morning commute, was low for 16-to-29 year olds, and increased with age. These findings provide a baseline from which to measure safety belt use trends in the five cities over the next year and beyond. The study is superior to the statewide survey for assessing the effects of local programs in the five cities since it focuses entirely on local traffic. |