This study aimed to provide a baseline against which to evaluate the implementation of the `Belt Up' road safety education program created by the Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales (Australia) targeted at students in years 7 to 1O. `Belt Up' focuses on occupant safety and the use of protective devices. A sample of 4079 students aged 11 to 17 were selected randomly from 23 schools in different areas throughout New South Wales and were required to answer a questionnaire concerned with the use of seat belts and bicycle safety helmets. This report presents the results of the questionnaire. It also recommends conducting a second survey to evaluate `Belt Up' once again, and finding strategies for promoting the use of road safety devices, particularly by adolescent males. The sample showed some awareness of being in or about to enter the highest risk age group in terms of road accidents, and of the life-saving effects of random breath testing, seat belts and safety helmets. Reasons were given for the wearing or non-wearing of seat belts and bicycle helmets. Other areas covered by the survey were factors causing damage to bicycle helmets, frequency of occupant restraint and helmet use by friends and relatives, and skateboard riding. (A)
Abstract