Citation

Wilson WT, Lonero LP, Ish D. Proc. Am. Assoc. Automot. Med. Annu. Conf. 1972; 16: 372-387.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1972, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Belt-type restraints are almost universally seen, in expert opinion, as a highly beneficial countermeasure to injury and death in motor vehicle accidents. However, only a small portion of their potential benefit has been realized, because the countermeasure has not really been implemented yet. Estimates of lap-belt use vary from about 10% upwards to 35%. A study found observed use to be considerably lower than reported use: apparently many people who claim always to use belts are not doing so when observed. The rates of seatbelt use vary considerably from one area to another and between locations within an area. This variability of use rates indicates that it is not sensible to question the belt-use rate without specifying the place and conditions. An aggregate overall rate would be difficult to estimate accurately.