LOW USE OF SAFETY BELTS AMONG SERIOUSLY INJURED CAR OCCUPANTS

Objective: This prospective study analyses safety belt usage in relation to injury severity. Methods: 361 car occupants injured in traffic and transported by ambulance to hospital were included in this study. To obtain data of first class validity, ambulance personnel were engaged to collect data on belt use. Results: Safety belt use among front seat occupants increased with age and was highest among women (86%). However, less than half of those with serious, severe or critical injuries had used safety belts; in densely populated areas only a third. Slightly more than half of the rear seat passengers and only half of all victims injured during the night had used safety belts. Among drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs and treated as inpatients, only one in five were restrained. Conclusions: To reduce the number of serious injuries, the use of safety belts must increase. This can be achieved by means of compelling technical measures making it difficult or impossible to drive the car without using the safety belt, heavier penalties and improved police supervision of belt use.