How to Conduct a Seat Belt Survey

Surveys should be appropriate to the size and circumstances of your company/ organization. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to proceed. But the survey should be organized carefully and the following components are recommended:

1. Give one person overall responsibility for the operation. Seek someone with good organiza-tional skills and knowledge about basic statistical techniques.

2. Conduct a survey to establish a baseline number, so you can measure your progress and success.

3. Select locations for collecting data. (For example, the entrances and exits to employee parking areas.)

4. Decide exactly what data you will collect. (Belt use by drivers? All occupants? Age? Gender? Vehicle type?)

5. Determine the best times to collect data and how many observations are needed for a credible survey. Collecting data on several dates will give a better "snapshot" of actual usage.

6. Develop a simple data collection form. Obtain clipboards, pens, signs, etc.

7. Notify police that you will be collecting data, especially if the process could affect traffic in the area because drivers often slow down and "rubberneck" if they see something going on.

8. Recruit employees to serve as data collectors and instruct them on how to collect data effi-ciently. Make sure their actions are passive and do not cause a traffic bottleneck that delays employee arrivals and departures.

9. Collect, tabulate, and analyze data.

10. If you are unable to conduct observational surveys, you can distribute a written questionnaire. The results may not be accurate, but the activity will allow you to measure progress.

11. After a baseline survey, set a usage goal (85%) and communicate it extensively throughout the organization for several weeks before doing another survey. Reiterate the company/organization belt use policy and why it is important.

12. Report results extensively. Give kudos... or remedial reminders... as appropriate.

Provided courtesy of the Network of Employers For Traffic Safety (NETS).