SEAT BELTS IN EUROPE--THEIR USE AND PERFORMANCE IN COLLISIONS

The early development of seat belts in Europe is reviewed to show how they evolved from relatively primitive accessories to an integral part of the modern car's design. Legal requirements on fitting and use of seat belts worldwide are summarised briefly, and actual belt usage rates in the traffic stream and in collisions are discussed. The effectiveness of seat belts in minimising injury in different collision configurations is outlined from the literature and comment is made on the risks of neck injury from belts. Overall it appears that universal belt use will prevent at least half of all car occupant deaths and serious injuries. Future developments in seat belts are mentioned and pre-loading appears as the most beneficial next stage. In general terms a mandatory usage law, coupled with effective education and enforcement is a successful policy, but if for political reasons such a policy is impossible, then passive seat belts offer an attractive alternative in the long term.