Surveys on the presence and use of seat belts by drivers and front-seat car passengers are almost yearly conducted by the SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research since the year 1968. The surveys were extended to seat belts on the back seats and to child restraint systems since 1989. This study discusses the developments in actual and pretended behaviour in the use of seat belts and child restraint systems. The study incorporates a new element, namely: the proper adjustment of head rests by drivers and front-seat passengers. Data were gathered in actual traffic. The study was conducted in the spring. This gives the opportunity to evaluate the possible influence of an information campaign held at the turn of the year. The main conclusions of the survey are that since 1992: (1) the seat belt use by drivers and front-seat passengers did not actually change; (2) the seat belt use by back-seat passengers has dropped considerably; (3) the use of child restraint systems is still high, and has even increased to a certain extent; and (4) in only half of the cases the present head rests are adjusted in a proper way. See also C 7109.
Samenvatting