The effectiveness of seat belts is well documented. A recent study identified the following three main findings (ICF Consulting, 2003): Firstly, non-users are more likely to get into crashes. Specifically, non-belted drivers have 35% more crashes than belted drivers, independent of the severity of injuries suffered by the vehicle’s occupants. Secondly, there is a reduction of approximately 50% in serious injuries and fatalities when seat belts are used. Seat belts are most effective in frontal, rear and roll-over collisions, and especially in low speed accidents (Evans, 1990). Thirdly, efforts to increase seat belt use typically yield higher benefit-to-cost ratios than other safety initiatives such as the enforcement of laws relating to speeding and drunk driving. Unsurprisingly, all countries involved in this study have implemented laws requiring seat belt use for all seats and sanctions for non-compliance. The principal results of SARTRE 3 regarding seat belts are presented below. More specifically, the survey results cover the following areas: - Frequency of seat belt installations - Seat belt use in different environments - Use of child restraint/seat belt use of children - Attitudes towards seat belt wearing - Enforcement of seat belt laws. The results are compared with the corresponding results of SARTRE 2 where relevant. Only substantial changes (i.e. more than 10 percentage units) between SARTRE 2 and 3 are indicated. (Author/publisher)
Abstract