Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Seatbelt Usage (Self-Reported)
Summary Indicator Report Data View Options
Seatbelt Usage (Self-Reported) by County, New Jersey, 2017-2020
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.
Definition
Percentage of New Jersey adults aged 18 and over who who reported wearing a seat belt always in automobiles.
Data Sources
- Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, Center for Health Statistics, New Jersey Department of Health
(http://www.nj.gov/health/chs/njbrfs/) - Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/index.html)
How the Measure is Calculated
| 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 survey |
How Are We Doing?
In 2020, about 90% of New Jersey adults reported that they always use a seat belt when driving or riding in a car.
What Is Being Done?
New Jersey's Seat Belt Law (NJS 39:3-76.2f) signed on January 18th, 2010 requires that all vehicle occupants must wear their seat belt regardless of seating position in a vehicle.
More Resources
NJ's Key Highway Safety Laws: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/states/new%20jersey
Health Program Information
New Jersey Seat Belt Laws: https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-of-highway-traffic-safety-home/division-of-highway-traffic-safety-seat-belts/
NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety: https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-of-highway-traffic-safety-home/