Grants and Contracts Details
Description
The use of safety belts is a proven means of reducing injuries to motor vehicle occupants involved in traffic
crashes. Because of its importance, various efforts have been made to increase safety belt usage. Past efforts
have included public information campaigns, local and statewide legislation, and enforcement of the
legislation.
In order to evaluate the effectiveness of these occupant protection 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 usage. In the first few years, seatbelt usage increased quickly,
from four percent in 1982 to 58 percent in 1994. In 1994, Kentucky included mandatory seatbelt usage as
a “secondary enforcement” law, and the rate has steadily climbed since. In 2006, the seatbelt law became
mandatory via “primary enforcement”, which also coincided with a continuing increase in seatbelt usage.
Examples of the increasing rates are 60 percent in 2000, 66 percent in 2004, 73 percent in 2008, and 86
percent in 2014.
Seatbelt usage changes as traffic changes, so data must be kept up to date. The objective of this study is to
establish a statewide safety belt usage rate in Kentucky for 2024. The survey begins immediately after
completing the annual “Click It or Ticket” (CIOT) campaigns, lasts for about three months, and involves
collecting data at 150 sites across 15 counties. Data will be collected 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. The rate from 2024 can be compared to those determined
from previous surveys and will continue to document the effects of the legislation and various seatbelt
usage campaigns. 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 who can evaluate the accuracy and precision of the data and help pursue progress.
• To establish a statewide safety belt usage rate in Kentucky for 2026
• To collect data that allows localized evaluation of related seatbelt safety efforts and campaigns.
• To remain in observance of the national requirements for collecting annual seatbelt data
• Work with statistician to ensure usage rate calculations are accurate and spreadsheet remains error-
free.
• Write and publish report that summarizes data and makes recommendations for future safety
efforts.
• Support related seatbelt safety measures by attending task force meetings, presenting findings, and
contributing to other efforts when applicable.
Status | Active |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 10/1/24 → 9/30/25 |
Funding
- KY Office of Highway Safety: $141,202.00
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