ALLEGAN, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Nov. 6, 2023) – Expect more enforcement of seat belt laws in Michigan next year.
That’s the word from Allegan County Sheriff Frank Baker after data released by the Michigan State Police last week showed safety belt use fell slightly in 2023, to 92.4 percent, a half of a percentage point drop from the year before. The direct observation study by Michigan State University, conducted during the months of May, June and July, showed the lowest levels since 90.5 percent in 2004, and continues a drop of two full percentage points over the past five years.
In addition, a companion survey indicated driver use of electronic devices in Michigan rose in 2023 to 8.3 percent, an 2.2 percent increase from the year before, with the study done prior to the mid-year enactment of a new state hands-free law. Allegan County Prosecuting Attorney Myrene Koch says enforcement of seat belt and cell phone laws are necessary.
MSU’s safety belt use survey showed that compliance was at 94.8 percent in Ottawa County, and 91.2 percent in Allegan County during May through July of 2023, down 2.1 and five percentage points, respectively, from 2022 levels. Nationally, seat belt use stood at 91.6 percent.
-video courtesy Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning
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