In the autumn of 1996, the SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research carried out a study into: the presence of seat belts and child restraint systems; the use of these devices by passenger car occupants; and into the helmet use by moped riders. This study consisted of investigations done before and after a campaign held in the Dutch province of Flevoland that was intended to stimulate the use of these safety devices. The developments in the actual and asserted behaviour involving the use of safety devices studied are described. The data for the study consisted of: (i) observations made at junctions equipped with traffic regulation installations; and (ii) of a written survey that was held among a percentage of percentage of the motorists, passengers, and moped riders who had been observed. The most significant study results are: (1) the seat belt use by all passenger car occupants increased; (2) the seat belt use inside built-up areas, by both men and women, showed a general increase; (3) the seat belt use outside built-up areas, by both men and women, showed a general increase; (4) the child safety device use has not changed; (5) children between the ages of five and twelve are not as well protected as younger children; and (6) a slight decrease in the moped helmet use was ascertained.
Samenvatting