Spring/Fall 2001 Safety Belt Results

Bismarck, ND- The Bismarck/Mandan Safe Communities Program, a program administered by Community Action Program Region VII, Inc., conducted its yearly Spring and Fall Safety Belt Survey. A total of ten sites were surveyed, six in Bismarck and four in Mandan.

Students from United Tribes Technical College Injury Prevention Program completed the surveys. Observers were looking for drivers and passengers wearing shoulder harnesses in automobiles, vans, pickups and sport utility vehicles. The survey was conducted within the city limits of Bismarck/Mandan.

The report includes statistics on Safety Belt use by drivers and passengers of both genders. It also itemizes the results for the different types of vehicles.

In North Dakota the safety belt usage rate is 47.7%. Slow but steady progress is being seen in safety belt usage. The Spring 2001 Safety Belt Survey in Bismarck/Mandan showed a 58% overall usage rate. The Safety Belt usage among males remains consistently lower than females with 50% males and 70% females buckling up. These results, to the Fall 2001 Safety Belt Survey, showed an overall 2% increase in usage. All Occupants were found at 60%, all males 52% and all females 72%. Numbers are rising.

For more information contact Lacey Aman at 258-2240.