RTSSC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Seat Belt Use: Select North Dakota High Schools and Communities
Publication Date:	Aug 2009
Type:	Issue Brief

Abstract

Seat belts are a primary motor vehicle safety device. Studies have shown that seat belts not only decrease the likelihood of being injured in a crash, they also save lives (Abdel-Aty, 2003; Yamamoto and Shankar, 2004). Because of this, seat belt use is a primary concern of traffic safety professionals. Of particular concern is seat belt usage of younger or novice drivers. However, more experienced drivers are also experiencing rates of seat belt use that are not at 100%. North Dakota is currently ranked 19th in terms of having the lowest seat belt use in the nation, with a compliance rate of 81.6%. The seat belt usage rate for the United States as a whole is 83%. North Dakota enacted a primary seat belt law for drivers under 18 years of age in 2004, although a primary seat belt law for drivers aged 18 or older has yet to be sanctioned.

Related Reports

• [Final Report] Seat Belt Use: Select North Dakota High Schools and Communities