This study set out to examine seatbelt wearing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), based on the premise that an increase in seatbelt wearing will significantly reduce personal injury in traffic crashes. It was expected that local data will help identify intervention strategies necessary to improve seatbelt wearing in the region. The research involved two proven methodologies: First, face-to-face interviews of 1389 male and female adults in regional shopping plazas of their own, and their children's, seatbelt wearing behaviour in their vehicles and reasons for these attitudes and beliefs. Second, two on-road observation studies involving obtrusive and unobtrusive observations of adult and child seat belt wearing rates by trained observers in approximately 5000 passenger vehicles stopped at representative traffic signalised intersections. Results showed front seat wearing rates of between 43% and 47% for drivers' and 26% to 30% for front seat passengers were observed, while rear seat belt wearing rates were poor. Reasons for these rates are discussed and recommendations for improving seat belt wearing in KSA are discussed. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting