Seat-belt wearing rates in Australia : a brief summary, with emphasis on seating position.

Since the regulations requiring the use of seat belts were introduced in Australia in 1971, the rate of usage by adult drivers and front-seat passengers has steadily risen from the 70-80% immediately after their introduction to around 95% currently. The previous difference between city and country areas had virtually disappeared. Seat-belt use by adults in the rear seats, although also steadily rising over the years, is at a much lower rate, now in the order of 60-70%. There is a higher rate of restraint usage by children than by rear-seat adults.