The survey entailed observation of seatbelt wearing, age, sex and seating position of vehicle occupant stopped at intersections or service stations. The type of vehicle and type of occupant restraint was also noted. A total of 31,529 vehicles were observed at 10 sites in each of 12 towns in Victoria. This resulted in 51,017 usable occupant observations during October-November 1989. Wearing rates were lower in rear seats, seats not fitted with inertial reel belts, utilities and panel vans and service stations compared with intersections. There was not much variation with time-of-day or day-of-week. Major variation in wearing rates were observed with age and seating position. Rates were lowest for 5-7 years old, but rose progressively with age group for older occupants. Child restraints were worn at higher than the average rate. Comparing wearing rates in 6 out of the 12 towns showed that the overall wearing rate has increased from 80.0% in 1988 to 87.3% in 1989. Seat belt wearing rates have increased in the 3 towns in the La Trobe Valley from 90.2% in 1987 to 94.4% in 1989. Overall, rural town restraint use was 88.8%, varying from 83.4% in Avoca to 93.1% in Morwell.
Abstract