IRTAD Special Report : the availability of seat belt wearing data in OECD member countries, 1995

PDFResearch PaperTraffic safetySeat beltsManual safety beltsSurveysFatalitiesInjuriesUnited KingdomGreat Britain. Dept. for TransportGreat Britain. Dept. for TransportNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-Highway SafetyBTS Data DirectoryThis reports surveys the availability of seat belt wearing data in OECD Member countries. The injury-reducing effect of seat belts is estimated to be around 50 per cent for fatal and serious injuries. Seat belts are most effective in frontal and roll-over collisions, and especially in low-speed accidents in urban areas. In all countries, it is ironic that wearing rates are lower for journeys in urban areas, where research indicates that the injury-reducing effect of seat belt use is most effective. The scientific assessment of the injury-reducing effect of seat belt wearing is well documented. The recentreport by the European Transport Safety Council - Seat belts and Child Restraints - October 1996 - provides a useful summary. However, despite legislation, the potential benefits of use are diluted by incorrect use. In particular, adult misuse commonly occurs due to the incorrect positioning of the shoulder part of the belt and also excessive slack between the shoulder part and the seat belt wearer. For children, inappropriate anchorage points, and also incorrect restraint systems for the height and weight of the child, significantly lower the injury-reducing effect