Although every state except one collects safety belt data in their state, no standard survey method or collection procedure is followed.Most state surveys collect data only for the vehicles and persons covered by the safety belt law in their state.In addition to a lack of consistent data on restraint use, detailed data were not available for safety belt use for occupants of passenger cars and light trucks separately and by age and sex of the occupant. Similarly, no national data were available for child restraint use or motorcycle helmet use.

Restraint use varies by both type of vehicle (car or light truck), age and sex of occupant, and various other factors.However, no national level data are available with measurable reliability that capture restraint use by these factors.

An observational survey will be conducted at a random sample of approximately 4,000 road segments across the country.Vehicles in urban, suburban and rural areas will be observed.Small local roads andbusy interstates are included in the sample.

Better understanding of belt use in the country will enable current restraint use programs to be evaluated and new programs to be developed.

• Data collection began in September 1996 and continued for three months.
• Data analysis will be completed by March 1998.

1. T. Shelton, "Observed Safety Belt Use in 1994", NHTSA Research Note, February 15, 1995.
   

2. T. Shelton, "National Occupant Protection Use Survey: Controlled Intersection Study",May 1, 1995.

3. T. Shelton, "National Occupant Protection Use Survey: Shopping Center Study", May 18, 1995

4. Washington Consulting Group and Terry Shelton, "National Occupant Protection Use Survey, Final Report", July 31, 1995.

5. T.Shelton and J. Lago, "National Occupant Protection Use Survey", Fifteenth International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles, Melbourne, Australia, May 13-16, 1996.

Shoulder belt, passenger car, light truck, driver, passenger, child restraint, motorcycle helmet