Researcher: Katie Womack

Sponsor: Texas Department of Transportation

The objective of this project is to conduct surveys of occupant restraint, motorcycle helmet use, and child restraint use statewide and in selected urban areas of Texas. The statewide survey sampling and protocol meet the uniform survey criteria adopted by NHTSA, and therefore the results from this survey are used to estimate the annual statewide seat belt and motorcycle helmet use rate. Through the findings, researchers can better understand how restraint and helmet use are impacted by various factors, including demographics, outreach and enforcement efforts. TTI’s annual measurement of seat belt use dates back to the mid 1980s, when usage rates were below 25 percent, as compared to today’s rate of 94 percent. The surveys provide evidence of the success of public policy related to seat belts, as well as public acceptance.

For more information contact Katie Womack.