Samenvatting
The effectiveness of safety belts in car accidents has been assessed by analysing forms returned by people whose cars have been involved in accidents. Information obtained from about 2000 wearers of safety belts was analysed and it is shown that serious injuries were reduced by about 10 per cent when belts were worn. ALL types of belt with shoulder restraint were found to be efficient though lap and diagonal belts appeared to be significantly less effective than full harnesses and single diagonal belts. The possible reasons for this last result are considered in detail. Estimates are given of the percentage of cars fitted with safety belts and of the percentage or belts that are used.