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Traffic Safety Survey
Formerly the Seat Belt Observation Survey
The South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization, in conjunction with the SJTSA,
commission this annual study to determine trends and direct programs. Started in 2006, the survey first concentrated on seat belts. Then in 2007, there was an add-on component each year, such as, senior drivers, teen drivers and commercial motor vehicle drivers. In 2014, the survey was renamed to allow for a more broad approach, starting with cell phone use and distracted driving.
2013 Report 2012 Part 1 2012 Part 2
2011 Report 2010 Report 2009 Report 2008 Report
Go to multi year comparison
SEAT BELT USE FOR MOTORISTS
|
|
2011 |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
*2006 |
| Drivers |
93% |
92% |
89% |
91 % |
88 % |
77 % |
| Passengers |
94% |
94% |
92% |
93 % |
91 % |
n/a |
| Atlantic Co |
94% |
93% |
90% |
91 % |
89 % |
80 % |
| Cape May Co |
92% |
92% |
88% |
87 % |
87 % |
67 % |
| Cumberland Co |
94% |
93% |
90% |
92 % |
88 % |
76 % |
| Salem Co |
94% |
94% |
87% |
93 % |
86 % |
77 % |
The data collection effort focuses on seat belt use by drivers and front seat passengers including gender; as well as cell phone use by the drivers. However, in 2006, the data collection effort focused solely on drivers.
* The 2006 observational surveys were completed during the month of May. It is believed that the number of tourists and out of state visitors increases in May and that is the reason for the lower rates compared to 07 and 08 which were completed in April.
| Cell Phone Use |
2011 |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
| Male Drivers |
3% |
5% |
4% |
3 % |
5% |
4% |
| Female Driver |
4% |
5% |
5% |
4 % |
7% |
5% |
Every year there is one add on component as part of the survey. In 2007 it was a questionnaire to gather information about seat belt use. The questionnaire indicated that 80% of respondents always wear a seat belt, and 12% usually do. Wearing a seat belt was seen having a significant positive effect, as 98% said that it could save their lives. Of those respondents that always, usually or sometimes wear a seat belt, 57% said that safety was their primary reason, more than those who wear a seat belt because it is the law (45%). Many respondents are not familiar with the New Jersey Seat Belt Law; just half were aware that drivers are responsible for buckling up all passengers through the age of 18.
In 2008 the add on component was an observational survey at high schools to determine seat belt use by teen drivers and passengers and a questionnaire to inquire about their knowledge of the GDL (Graduated Drivers License) law and compare their attitudes toward seat belt use with that of the general motoring public.
| |
2012 |
2010 |
2008 |
| All Teen Motorists |
91% |
91% |
85 % |
| Drivers |
81% |
90% |
86 % |
| Male |
78% |
86% |
84 % |
| Female |
84% |
94% |
88 % |
| Passengers |
73% |
94% |
82 % |
| Male |
91% |
91% |
83 % |
| Female |
96% |
96% |
82 % |
| Backseat |
37% |
94% |
82% |
| Cell Phone Use by driver |
2% |
5% |
6% |
In 2009 the add on component was observing seat belt use and cell phone use by commercial vehicle drivers.
| |
Male |
Female |
Totals |
| Seat Belt Use |
71% |
89% |
72% |
| Cell Phone Use |
6% |
4% |
6% |
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SJTSA
