Seat belts are a highly effective way of reducing serious and fatal injuries to car occupants. The cost-benefit ratio for seat belt enforcement according to the EC Recommendation 2004 is 1:10, on the rather moderate assumption that universal seat belt use could prevent 6,000 deaths and 380,000 injuries every year in Europe. Yet, despite the legal obligation to wear a seat belt, wearing rates still vary greatly across Europe. According to ETSC estimates, current seat belt wearing rates in the EU vary between 59% and 96% for front seat occupants, and between 21% and 90% for rear seat passengers. Seat belt wearing rates can be improved through the implementation of existing legislation and preparation for new legislation. This occurs through a mixture of measures including police enforcement, education and information, prompts such as seat belt reminders and seat belts fitted in all seats in all cars.
Abstract