A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF SEAT BELT EFFECTIVENESS IN 1973-1975 MODEL CARS INVOLVED IN TOWAWAY CRASHES. VOLUME I

Using a probability sample of towaway accidents involving 1973-75 model car and investigated by special teams in 5 different geographic regions, several multivariate analyses are examined which estimate injury rates and corresponding effectiveness relating to various levels of belt usage. The effective sample size is 10,758 occupants (drivers or right front seat passengers) for which belt status and AIS injury information along with age and seat position, car weight, crash configuration and vehicle damage severity is available. Analyses using log-linear models and weighted least squares procedures are carried out in considerable detail. The limitations and/or advantages of each method are pointed out and the results of various sensitivity investigations presented. A "Fact Book" of tables of interest from the overall file is included. /HSRI/