Good news: More Americans are using their seatbelt now more
than ever, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA). The newest report from the agency, released last month, indicates that
in 2015, 88.5 percent of Americans wore their seat belt on a regular basis.
This was up slightly from 86.7 percent in 2014. This result is from the
National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), which is the only survey that
provides nationwide probability-based observed data on seat belt use in the
United States. The survey analyzed statistically representative samples of the
most current demographic and traffic conditions, accounting for age, race,
gender, population density and socioeconomic status.
Seat belt use has shown an increasing trend since 2000,
accompanied by a steady decline in the percentage of unrestrained passenger
vehicle (PV) occupant fatalities during daytime. The survey also found the
following:
-
Seat belt use for occupants in the West is
higher than in the other regions: Northeast, Midwest, and South in 2015
-
Seat belt use continued to be higher in the
States in which vehicle occupants can be pulled over solely for not using seat
belts (“primary law states”) as compared with the states with weaker
enforcement laws (“secondary law states”) or without seat belt laws.
-
Seat belt use for occupants in passenger cars
increased significantly from 88.1 percent in 2014 to 90.3 percent in 2015.
-
Seat belt use for occupants in pickup trucks
increased significantly from 77.2 percent in 2014 to 80.8 percent in 2015.
The survey data is collected by sending trained observers to
probabilistically sampled roadways, who observe passenger vehicles from 7 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Observations are made either while standing at the roadside or, in
the case of expressways, while riding in a vehicle in the traffic. In order to
capture the true behavior of passenger vehicle occupants, the NOPUS observers
do not stop vehicles or interview occupants.
This survey is conducted every year, and each year seat belt
use increases at least by a small percentage. This is a slow but steady
improvement and hopefully more Americans will continue to use their seat belt,
especially with more seat belt laws being enforced.
If
you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor,
Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield,
Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City
Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys
know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your
feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the
compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow
Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join
the conversation by using #MCAA.
