In order to further reduce vehicle occupant injuries in new south wales, where the proportion of occupants wearing seat belts is already high, a study was undertaken of accidents where it was known that the person killed was wearing a seat belt. The broad aim of the study was to identify those factors which at present limit the effectiveness of seat belts. In all, about 150 accidents were included in the study. This paper explains how accident data was obtained from police, witnesses, survivors etc., and discusses certain problems encountered by the study team, such as access to vehicles and people involved in the accident and establishing that the deceased was using a seat belt at the time of the accident. The paper also briefly describes two other projects:- (i) a study of accidents resulting in serious injury to occupants wearing seat belts, and (ii) a study to establish the relative benefits of alternative restraint systems for child occupants.
Abstract