The data on seat belts were extracted from 139 fatal crashes previously reported, (21) from 73 additional fatal accidents recently studied, from 291 injury producing accidents (1963 - 1966 model cars) and from 93 cases involving 1967 and 1968 model cars. It was found the seat belts were worn in only 6% of the fatal crashes, for seat belts were not installed in most of the older model cars. In the injury producing cases (291), 13% of the crashes had at least one occupant wearing a seat belt. In the 93 new model car crashes, seat belts were worn by at least one occupant in 36% of the accidents. Details as to the occupant usage of seat belts were obtained from on-scene investigations, personal interviews with the occupants, police officers, or police reports. In all seat belts were worn by a total of 111 occupants and from the basis of this report. This study indicated ejection of the occupant from the vehicle was the leading cause of injury and death. Modulation of the occupant's movement within the vehicle by the seat belt reduces the potential for striking certain structures and decreased severity of the injuries. The seat belt also functions to direct the upper torso, especially the head, to specific interior surfaces. Design modifications of these areas are needed to prevent serious facial fractures that have been seen. Lap belted drivers contact the steering wheel rim or instrument panel in front of the wheel in head-on crashes; the front passenger strikes the upper instrument panel. Improper positioning of the lap seat belts produces serious intra abdominal injury, especially in the case of the rear passengers. Seat belt fatality cases were, in general, due to collapse by the broadside intersection collision. /SRIS/.
Abstract