Occupant restraint use in Queensland: February 1992

An observational survey of vehicle occupant restraint use in early 1992 was conducted. The survey was conducted in Brisbane and major regional centres, over one week. Data were collected for 16240 vehicles and 25379 occupants. Wearing rates were high (around 80-90%), with rates for drivers, females and front seat occupants higher. Restraint use varied with age, with young drivers and children aged 1 to 12 having the lowest rates, and infants having the highest. Use of child restraints was higher than for lap sash or lap only belts. Survey result implications for counter-measures were discussed. Higher enforcement rates in Queensland and other states may contribute to higher restraint use. Deterrent measures may be more effective in a general and not a specific sense. The problems of changing restraint behaviour for the 6-12 old group were identified, as was the need to continually monitor seat belt wearing rates to determine the effectiveness of restraint non-use counter-measures. Recommendations are (1) trial and evaluate methods of enforcement (including randomly-based low intensity enforcement) to determine effect on restraint use levels, (2) develop strategies to modify the behaviour of 6 to 12 old children and (3) conduct regular surveys on restraint use in Queensland.