Evaluation of New York State\u2019s Mandatory Occupant Restraint Law: Volume I: Observational Surveys of Safety Restraint Use in New York State

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15252171985PDFResearch PaperRood, Debra H.Kraichy, Patricia P.Carubia, JeanState University of New York. Research Foundation. Institute for Traffic Safety Management and ResearchUnited States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNew YorkManual safety beltsFront seat occupantsState lawsTraffic law enforcementChild restraint systemsBefore and after studiesSurveysStatisticsDOT-HS-806-950NTIS-PB86182532DTNH-22-84-C-07467Final reportThis is the final report on the results of three observational surveys of restraint use by front seat occupants conducted as part of the evaluation of New York's Mandatory Occupant Restraint Law. Observations were conducted at a probability sample of sites selected from all twelve Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas and four additional randomly selected counties. A baseline survey was conducted in October 1984 and statewide post-law surveys were conducted in April 1985 and September 1985. In addition, a smaller survey was conducted in four selected areas of the state in January 1985. Finally, nighttime restraint use was also measured at a non-random subsample of sites during each of the three statewide surveys of front seat occupants. There were two major findings from the series of observational surveys. First, there was a large increase in safety restraint use in New York State after implementation of the law (from 16% in October 1984 to 57% in April 1985). Second, the high level of usage declined over time (to 46% in September 1985). Usage rates varied more by region of the state than by day of the week, or time of day. Usage rates must be examined in conjunction with casualty rates to determine whether the Mandatory Occupant Restraint Law has achieved the goal of reducing traffic fatalities and injuries. A future study will analyze 1985 motor vehicle accident data to determine the effects of the law on fatality and injury rates in the first year. /Abstract from report summary page/129