October 22, 2003

Safety belt use rose to a record high 85 percent following the Labor Day holiday, according to figures just released by the Michigan State Police, Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP). The rate was determined by a direct observation survey conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI).

"This increase in safety belt use proves that our traffic safety programs are succeeding," said Colonel Tadarial J. Sturdivant, director of the Michigan State Police. "This is great news because it will ultimately mean fewer traffic deaths and fewer injuries on our roadways."

Michigan’s safety belt use jumped to 83.5 percent in March of 2000 when the primary enforcement law took effect. Until this year, belt use has been hovering just below that rate.

Safety belt enforcement zones were piloted in eight counties at the start of the summer to make enforcement efforts more visible to the public, and encourage greater compliance. In addition, the state has begun to use federal traffic safety funds for paid advertising to further increase awareness of enforcement programs.

A similar survey a year ago recorded safety belt use at 83 percent. The increase represents an 11 percent conversion rate, meaning that more than one out of every 10 drivers who was unbuckled last Labor Day is now wearing his or her safety belt.

Michael L. Prince, OHSP division director said, "We give credit to the many groups that continue support of safety belt education messages, and strict enforcement efforts by police agencies, sheriff departments and Michigan State troopers."

UMTRI will provide a more detailed report of its findings later in November.

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.