The VTI has performed a continuous series of observations of car seat belt usage in central Sweden since 1983. The observations are carried out during a total of 12 days in August-September, primarily at roundabouts with large proportions of long-distance traffic, but in urban environments. The observations from autumn 1995 show that car seat belt usage had decreased. The decline was most evident in the case of rear seat adult passengers and to some extent children in the rear seat. The degree of usage varies greatly. Drivers and front seat passengers use their belts on just under 80% of short trips in urban environments. On journeys to and from work, usage is just over 85%. At weekends over 95% of all drivers use their belts. The highest usage is found among drivers making long-distance journeys on motorways at weekends. Seat belt usage in front seats has remained on a high and consistent level since the VTI began its observations in 1983. Seat belt usage among adults in the rear seat is 75-80% and among children 85-90%. In a smaller study, observations were made of the relationship between seat belt usage, sex and age. Young men showed the lowest usage, 82%. Women generally used their seat belts more than men and older people more than younger. In another study of seat belt usage among taxi drivers, 18 % were found to be using a seat belt. The usage is highest on motorways, 40%, and lowest for short trips in urban environments, 0-10%. (A).
Abstract