Seat belts have attained worldwide recognition as an efficient protection of car occupants in traffic accidents; nevertheless, in the Federal Republic of Germany drivers do not yet make use of seat belts to the extent desired. The present study deals with the economic and legal aspects, including the question of the effectiveness of seat belts. It comes to the following statements: (1) Particulars of 3-point belt can still be improved to better operating and wearing comfort as well as the intended effect of protection. (2) At present there are no alternatives, developed for series production, to the belt system. (3) International experience has shown that, after introduction of a fine, the majority of drivers comply with the seat belt regulation.
Samenvatting