The purpose of this study was to explore a potential relationship between seat belt wearing among a representative sample of car drivers with and without airbags, aged 18-70 years, and to get an insight into their knowledge of benefits and side effects of seat belts and airbags. Replies from about 1000 drivers show that 97% of the airbag drivers and 98% of the non-airbag drivers say that they will use their seat belt to the same extent, irrespective of an airbag at the driver seat. Nevertheless, more airbag drivers (95%) than non-airbag drivers (92%) indicate more regularly to wear their seat belt. The lower seat belt wearing is solely related to male drivers without airbags. Female drivers’ seat belt wearing is not influenced by airbag instalment. A majority know that seat belts more effectively than airbags reduce injuries. However, especially airbag drivers have greater confidence in airbags than non-airbag drivers. Drivers know little about airbag side effects. Only about 25% know that an airbag can kill an unbelted driver. Less than half of the drivers are aware that they can protect themselves against a deploying airbag by positioning their seat as far away from the steering wheel as possible. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting