THE USE OF SAFETY BELTS

Following a short discussion concerning the enhanced safety arising from the use of safety belts as derived from the accident statistics, the paper deals with the degree of safety provided by the belts. In the gdr during 1973 the average degree of use observed was 6,3%, 4,0% within built-up areas and 9,5% elsewhere. Spot checks provided the following results: in 1973 on motorways 5,6%, 1974 6,5% (on trunk roads 2,1%), 1975 on motorways 8,0% and on trunk roads 2,2%. Similar figures were also observed in other countries, before the wearing of safety belts was made compulsory. Finally the results of questionnaires are reported in which non-users claimed most frequently that the belt is effective only at high speeds (26,3%), the fastening of the belt was too troublesome (19,0%), driving with seat belts was uncomfortable (13,1%), and that the belt was a hindrance in the case of an accident (1,3%). Counter-arguments are cited against the view that seat belts lead to more severe injuries in the event of an accident. In general the conclusion must be that in practice safety belts have stood the test as can be proved from the accident statistics. It is therefore suggested to make the wearing of safety belts obligatory. /TRRL/