Safety belt use observation surveys

The Annual Direct Observation Survey of Safety Belt Use is sponsored by OHSP and has been completed by the Wayne State University Transportation Research Group since 2006. During this project, observational surveys of safety belt use for passenger vehicles are conducted across the State of Michigan. There are 192 intersection and interchange locations that are observed near Labor Day weekend. All drivers and front-seat passengers are observed for safety belt use and categorized by vehicle type, vehicle use, gender, age and race. Once the surveys are completed, a relevant statistical analysis is conducted to determine changes in safety belt use. The safety belt use rates are compared with the previous years rates and help to determine the effectiveness of enforcement and education programs.