NEW YORK STATE SEAT BELT SURVEY
Since 1984, ITSMR has conducted New York State’s annual seat belt observational study. All observational surveys have been conducted using a NHTSA-approved design. With few exceptions, the statewide use rate has risen steadily each year. Based on the survey conducted in June 2021, New York’s seat belt compliance rate dropped slightly to 93% from 94% in 2019. This survey was not conducted in 2020.
Full Report:
2021 NY OBSERVATIONAL SURVEY OF SEAT BELT USE (Published September 2021)
NEW YORK STATE DRIVER OPINION SURVEY
In compliance with the NHTSA requirement that states collect information on driver behaviors, attitudes and awareness of traffic safety issues on an annual basis, ITSMR has conducted surveys of NY State licensed drivers since 2010. Survey results are included in the Annual Report submitted to NHTSA by the end of the calendar year. For a copy of the annual report, contact the GTSC.
Results of the 2020 online survey with respect to its questions regarding Impaired Driving is available on the Fact Sheets tab.
Key Findings in 2020
- 97% reported that they “always” or “usually” use a seat belt when driving or riding as a passenger in the front seat.
- 40% of the respondents reported they “always” or “usually” drive more than 5 mph over the speed limit.
- 63% of the respondents said they never text while driving.
- 62% reported they talk on the cell phone while driving; 18% of the respondents who said they talk on a cell phone while driving reported that they “always” or “usually” use a hand-held device in violation of the law. 54% of the drivers said they never use a hand-held phone when they talk on a cell phone while driving.