Patterns of child restraint use in Michigan.

Author(s)
Eby, D.W. Kostyniuk, L.P. Vivoda, J.M. & Fordyce, T.A.
Year
Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the child occupant restraint use in the state of Michigan through an observational survey. This study, the second yearly of restraint use in Michigan, enables the identification of emerging trends; examination and measurement of changes resulting from standard enforcement legislation; and the assessment of the effects of Operation ABC (American Buckles Children), a Public Information and Education (PI&E) program. Analysis of national personal travel data identified schools and non-school sites (fast food restaurants, skating rinks, malls, movie theatres, and recreation centres) as locations frequently visited by children 4 to 15 years of age that were also suitable for an observational study. A stratified random sampling design was developed and 128 sites (4 school and 28 non-school in each of 4 strata) were sampled. Trained observers visited the sites, located vehicles with target age children, and recorded the occupant restraint use of the children (in all seating positions) and driver of the vehicle, along with other descriptive information. The results showed that overall child occupant restraint use in Michigan was 81.1 - 1.8 percent. In addition, child occupant restraint use followed closely the driver belt use, with child occupant restraint use more than 86 percent when the driver was using a safety belt. Child occupant restraint use varied by age group children under 4 years of age more likely to be restrained than children 4 to 15 years of age. Child occupants in sport utility vehicles, vans/minivans, and pickup trucks were more likely to be restrained than those in passenger cars. Restraint use varied by seating position, with other children in the front right position more likely to be restrained than in other seating positions. Restraint use also varied by whether the trip was to a school or non-school site, with older children less likely to be restrained at school than non-school sites. There were no differences in restraint use by the sex of the child or by day of week. (A)

Publication

Library number
20010599 ST [electronic version only]
Source

Ann Arbor, MI, The University of Michigan, Transportation Research Institute UMTRI, 2000, VI + 67 p., 39 ref.; UMTRI Report ; No. UMTRI-2000-30

Publication (link)

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