Citation

States JD. Proc. Am. Assoc. Automot. Med. Annu. Conf. 1973; 17: 432-442.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1973, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Belt type restraint systems have been available in production passenger cars since 1949 when Nash-Kelvinator Corporation (now American Motors) installed them on a reclining back front seat to hold sleeping occupants in position. Installation was mandated by 34 states because of legislation enacted in the early 1960's. The effectiveness of belt restraint systems for reducing or preventing automobile accident injury is well documented in the literature. Belt type restraint systems have failed as an effective safety device for injury reduction because they are not used.

A review of past, present, and contemplated methods of inducing belt restraint system usage is presented. The successes and failures of past efforts and the reasons for belt rejection by the majority of vehicle occupants is examined. An approach for increasing usage of present restraint systems is suggested.