Overrepresentation of Seat Belt Non-users in Traffic Crashes
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1988-04-01
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Edition:Final report
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Abstract:This study used observations of driver belt use linked with driver history information to conclude that non-users of belts are overrepresented in traffic crashes. Examining average numbers of accidents and violations per observed belted and unbelted driver over the four-year (1983-1986) period, unbelted drivers had 35 percent more accidents and 69 percent more violations than did belted drivers. Results based on the drivers' self reported belt use showed that those who report using belts never or rarely have, on average, 33 percent more accidents than those stating they always wear belts. In addition, the never-rarely violation rate was more than twice as large as the always violation rate. These differences can be partially explained by the differing demographic compositions of the user groups; however, statistically significant belt use effects are found even after factors such as driver age, sex, and estimated annual mileage have been taken into account. Differences between the types of accidents and violations of belt users and nonusers were also examined. Results showed that belt non-users had significantly more single vehicle accidents, rollover accidents, and accidents in which the driver is charged with a violation. Factors such as accident severity, vehicle deformation, and accident speed did not vary significantly by belt use group. In three separate analyses involving reckless driving, alcohol violations, and reckless and alcohol combined, no statistically significant relationships were found by belt use. A telephone survey was conducted to examine reasons for using and not using belts by different groups of belt wearers. The survey helped to uncover programmatic ideas concerning ways to increase belt use. /Abstract from report summary page/
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