Samenvatting
Estimates of the effectiveness of seat belts, when used, in reducing motor vehicle occupant deaths vary widely. Surveys of observed seat belt use in 1975 U.S. cars indicate that 2/3 of drivers were not using belts. Prospects for widespread adoption and enforcement of belt use laws in the U.S. are not encouraging. Reduction in fatal and other injuries would result from the adoption of requirements mandating automatic protection for front seat occupants in crashes with forward decelerations.