Citation

Nugmanova ZS, Ussatayeva G, McNutt LA. Inj. Prev. 2015; 21(Suppl 1): e109-e112.

Affiliation

Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/injuryprev-2014-041198

PMID

24966211

Abstract

Traffic fatalities in Kazakhstan increased from 15 to more than 30 per 100 000 between 2001 and 2006. Mortality remains high compared with developed nations. Safety-restraint laws have been enacted, but little data exist regarding usage of seatbelts, particularly among children and passengers. This cross-sectional study surveyed medical university students about attitudes and behaviours regarding seatbelt and child safety-restraint usage. Seatbelts are widely used in the front seat (81%) but not in the back seat (79% 'never' or 'rarely' use a seatbelt in the back seat). Fewer than half reported 'always' or 'almost always' providing restraint for children under 7 years and 24% reported children secure the seatbelts themselves. Safety in the back seat merits attention. Adults generally do not buckle in the back seat despite a law requiring seatbelt use. Promotion of child safety restraints should be prioritised in prevention education for physicians and the community.

Language: en