Restraint use patterns for older child passengers in Michigan

The purpose of the present study was to conduct the first statewide direct observation survey of restraint use designed specifically for older child passengers (4-15 years of age). We also sought to determine the factors that were related to belt use by older child passengers in Michigan so that effective programs could be developed to promote use of restraint devices in this age group. The study found that older child restraint use was about 58% statewide. Restraint use was highest in regions where overall belt use was higher, when the driver was using a safety belt, in sport utility vehicles and vans/minivans, and in the front-right seating position. No difference in restraint use was found for the day of week, the sex of the child, or the type of site where data was collected. The study provides the largest scale analysis to date on older child occupant restraint use patterns. The data provide some much needed empirical data on the restraint use patterns of older child passengers for development of theory to better understand and predict lack of restraint use in this age group.