This paper describes a methodology to estimate the reduction in traffic accident casualties when taking into account an increase in seat belt usage. The methodology based on Evans development includes all front seat passengers. Urban and rural results are also compared. The database used in this study includes accidents and seat belt usage in the following areas: Niteroi, Sao Goncalo and Marica, a group of towns located in the eastern side of Guanabara Bay (the western side of the Bay corresponds to the city of Rio de Janeiro). Only 8.2% of front seat passengers surveyed used seat belts in urban areas, and 34.5% in rural areas. Drivers appear to influence passengers behaviour concerning seat belt use, since in 93.0% of the cars with at least a front seat passenger, both the driver and the passenger were using the belt. Casualty reductions have been studied for different levels of seat belt usage. The sample analyzed allowed to show that if a greater number of drivers used the belt, a smaller proportion of them would be involved in traffic accidents with serious casualties. In Brazil, seat belt use is not compulsory in urban areas. Research work of this type carried out in developing countries should, therefore, contribute to introduce important changes in legislation and in education campaigns. (Author/publisher).
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