In the framework of an interdisciplinary study concerning experiences following the obligatory use of seat belts in Switzerland 400 cases of severe or fatal injuries to wearers of seat belts were evaluated as follows: 185 seat belt users were probably preserved from serious consequences. In 183 cases it was probable that users would not be protected by their seat belts, because the severity of the injuries was the same as without seat belts. This could be attributed to severe distortions of the passenger compartment. 27 drivers could not profit from the seat belts, because they caused severe injuries, the main seat belt induced injuries were to abdomen and thorax. 5 seat belts users in all probability suffered more severe injuries than would be expected without seat belts. The author points out that with the increasing use of belt systems with three-point anchorages and other technical improvements and further advances in vehicle design the already small number of cases of adverse consequences of seat belt use can be further reduced, and that the risk of sustaining more serious injuries in an accident due to wearing a seat belt compared to cases without seat belt is very small with a maximum value of 0.65% (as calculated on the basis of 95% probability).
Abstract