In 2003, NHTSA conducted the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS). The overall observed shoulder belt use rate was 79 percent in 2003, compared to 75 percent observed in 2002, 73 percent in 2001, 71 percent in 2000, and 67 percent in 1999. In 1994, the overall observed shoulder belt use rate was 58 percent. Table 1 shows safety belt use rates in the states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The results were obtained by observing traffic on roads at selected observation sites. Where rates are missing from the table, states did not submit rates to NHTSA. For more information on state safety belt use rates, see D. Glassbrenner, Safety Belt Use in 2003 – Use Rates in the States and Territories, NHTSA Technical Report, DOT HS 809 713 (March 2004). (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting