Important Facts for Seatbelt Usage (Self-Reported)
Definition
Percentage of New Jersey adults aged 18 and over who who reported wearing a seat belt always in automobiles.Numerator
Number of persons aged 18 and over who reported wearing a seat belt always in automobiles.Denominator
Total number of persons aged 18 and over in the sample surveyData Interpretation Issues
Data from the New Jersey Risk Factor Survey are intended to represent non-institutionalized adults in households with telephones. Data are collected using a random sample of all possible telephone numbers. Prior to analysis, data are weighted to represent the population distribution of adults by age, sex, and "race"/ethnicity. As with all surveys, however, some residual bias may result from nonresponse (e.g., refusal to participate in the survey or to answer specific questions) and measurement error (e.g., social desirability or recall). Attempts are made to minimize such error by use of a strict calling protocol (up to 15 calls are made to reach each household), good questionnaire design, standardization of interviewer behavior, interviewer training, and frequent, on-site interviewer monitoring and supervision.Why Is This Important?
Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in New Jersey and in the United States. Seat belt use can help to prevent injuries and death and the use of seat belts is mandatory in New Jersey.Healthy People Objective: Increase use of safety belts
U.S. Target: 92 percentState Target: 100 percent