Following a commission from the ministers responsible for road safety in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, a working group set up by the Nordic road safety council has studied problems related to legislation concerning compulsory use of seat belts. This report includes a summary of technical and medical investigations which clearly show that the seat belt is extremely efficient in life saving, in reducing the number of accidents and in diminishing their severity. The present situation concerning safety belts in the Nordic countries is discussed. Special attention is paid to the use frequency and different ways of increasing seat belt use from its present low use frequency were examined. The working group recommends compulsory seat belt use and it is anticipated that legislation will increase the frequency of belt use considerably. The proposal for legislation is discussed with regard to type of vehicle, traffic in built- up areas and rural areas and exceptions from the belt use law for certain traffic situations. The control problems are dealt with and the working group proposes an individual penalty (fine) for each occupant for trespassing against the obligation. Finally, concerning the question of damages, the working group has found no reason to reduce compensation on the grounds that the seat belt has not been worn. The document is in Swedish.
Abstract