Grants and Contracts Details
Description
Abstract
OHS, Seatbelt Usage Survey, FY21
10/1/2020 – 9/30/2021
The use of safety belts and child safety seats is a proven means of reducing injuries to motor vehicle
occupants involved in traffic crashes. There have been various methods used in efforts to increase
safety belt and safety seat usage. Past efforts have included public information campaigns, local and
statewide legislation, and enforcement of the legislation.
In order to evaluate these efforts, statewide observational surveys are conducted. The first
observational surveys were conducted in Kentucky in 1982 and have been conducted annually to
document safety belt and safety seat usage. Since 1982, safety belt usage among drivers has increased
annually, from four percent in 1982 to 58 percent in 1994. The rate has steadily climbed since 1994.
Examples of the increasing rates are 60 percent in 2000, 66 percent in 2004, 73 percent in 2008, and
86 percent in 2014.
The survey methodology used to collect data has been revised slightly a few times. The
current methodology has been in place since 2009. The survey begins immediately after completing
the annual “Click It or Ticket” (CIOT) campaigns, lasts for about two months, and involves
collecting data at 150 sites across 15 counties.
The objective of this study is to establish a statewide safety belt usage rate in Kentucky for
2021. Data will be collected at randomly selected sites across Kentucky by highly trained student
workers. Data from the individual sites will be combined into a statewide percentage considering
roadway functional classification, county and vehicle miles traveled. 2021’s rate can be compared to
those determined from previous surveys and will continue to document the effects of the original
“secondary enforcement” statewide mandatory safety belt law in 1994 and the subsequent change to
“primary enforcement” which was enacted in 2006. In order to statistically analyze the data and
make valid comparisons, the research team will consist of transportation engineers with decades of
experience in seatbelt studies as well as a licensed statistician.
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 10/15/20 → 9/30/21 |
Funding
- KY Office of Highway Safety: $80,450.00
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