In three studies the use of seat belt is associated with presence of a warning system, good seatbelt design, higher education and occupational status, ownership of late model cars, attendance at driving school and tendency to derive information about seatbelts from driving schools and from newspapers. It is suggested that the user of seatbelt is safety and risk conscious while the nonuser reports discomfort and non effectiveness (older car equipped with an uncomfortable seat belt are the reason for this fact). Habit is seen as post-decisional and therefore relevant to maintaining rather than to bringing about the desired behaviour change. The data on seatbelt legislation suggest that most individuals are favourable towards compulsory seat belt usage and that, of those who are not habitually wearing belts now, most would increase usage under a law.
Samenvatting