Medical aspects of seat belt usage

This paper, presented at the Tokyo international symposium in November 1979 reviews the evidence on the benefits of seat belts in preventing injury and the possibility of injury being caused to belted occupants in an accident. It is estimated that serious and fatal injuries are reduced by 65 to 80 per cent, and moderate injuries by 40 to 60 per cent by the wearing of seat belts. There is little evidence that belts, if properly worn, cause serious injury or offer any special risks to occupants. Seat belt injuries are shown to be less serious than would have been the case had the belt not been worn. Often the occupant is prevented from serious head injury or lethal ejection. However a high wearing rate is needed to obtain the best results and the introduction of mandatory legislation needs to be preceded by a vigorous promotion campaign. The effectiveness of child-restraint systems is discussed and methods of improving them are suggested. (TRRL)