In the Netherlands the use of seat belts is measured on a yearly basis. In April and July 2006 the AVV Transport Research Center (Ministry of Transport, Water Management and Public Works) commissioned a new survey. The use of seat belts in private cars and delivery vans, use of baby and child’s seats and height adjustment of head rests were visually observed. Furthermore questionnaires were distributed among motorists to collect data about the use of seat belts, the availability of other in-car safety devices such as airbags and ABS, and the appreciation of two road safety campaigns (2005 and 2006) that focused on safety awareness of motorists regarding the use of seat belts. The campaigns are part of a larger road safety program (MPCV) that was initiated by the Ministry of Transport, Water Management and Public Works in 2003. Besides seat belts the program addresses topics like drink driving, keeping safe distance and bicycle lightning. The main results of the study are as follows. Motorists increasingly use seat belts. Figures rose up to 91% concerning drivers of private cars and delivery vans compared to 89% in 2004. Front passengers’ use of seat belts in private cars increased up to 94%, which corresponds exactly to the figure for drivers of private cars. When compared to the developments of recent years, the use of seat belts by rear seat passengers increased as well (73% in 2006). Differences in use of seat belts outside and inside built-up areas almost disappeared in 2006. (Author/publisher)
Abstract