MICHIGAN OMNIBUS STATE SAFETY SURVEY: FALL 1987

The Omnibus State Safety Survey is a multi-year study providing information on highway safety attitudes, perceptions, and reported behaviors of adult residents throughout the State of Michigan. The first phase of the Omnibus State Safety Survey was conducted in the summer of 1987. The second phase reported here involved full implementation of the Omnibus State Safety Survey in the fall of 1987. The telephone survey instrument contained 60 questions on six broad highway safety topics including: (1) vehicles, police, and roads; (2) travel speeds; (3) driver licensing and education; (4) heavy trucks; (5) alcohol consumption and alcohol-impaired driving; and (6) occupant protection. A dual-frame sampling method was used to maximize response rates. Majority support was found for nine major traffic safety policies, and majority support was not found for eight other policies. Opinions were evenly divided on three issues. Stratification of responses by age, sex, and voting status revealed significant differences. Results are of direct interest to those considering alternative policies and programs to reduce injuries, and to those monitoring injury relevant behaviors such as alcohol consumption, seat belt use, and speeding.