Abstract

The objective of the survey summarized in this report is to establish 1986 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky to compare to those determined from previous surveys. Also included in this report is an analysis of accident records evaluating the effectiveness of safety belts.

Statewide usage rages in the 19 cities previously surveyed in 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985 showed that driver safety belt usage increased in 1986 while child safety seat and safety belt usage remained at the 1984 and 1985 levels. The statewide usage rate of safety belts by drivers was 13.0 percent in 1986 compared to 9.2 percent in 1985, 6.9 percent in 1984, 5.8 percent in 1983, and 4.2 percent in 1982. The percentage of children in either a safety seat or belt was 30.2 percent in 1986 compared to 29.1 percent in 1985, 30.3 percent in 1984, 24.2 percent in 1983, and 15.4 percent in 1982. Usage rates for front-seat passengers in 1986 were higher than those determined in 1985 for each age category.

Benefits in the reduction of injuries for occupants wearing a safety belt or in a safety seat were shown through the analysis of accident records. For example, a 41 percent reduction in fatal or incapacitating injuries was determined for drivers wearing a safety belt compared to those who were not restrained.

Report Date

9-1986

Report Number

UKTRP-86-20

Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.13023/KTC.RR.1986.20

Notes

The contents of this report reflect the views of the author who is responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the University of Kentucky or the Kentucky State Police. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.

Download

Share

COinS