The Acceptability of Car Seat Belts

Almost every private motor car in the U.K. is equipped with seat belts for the front seat occupants. Surveys have shown that belt usage rates seldom exceed 37% overall. A research program is described that sought to establish why car seat belt usage is low; the reactions of people to seat belts and other forms of occupant restraint; and ways in which usage may be increased. The major conclusion was that belt usage can only practicably be increased to high levels, by the introduction of legislation requiring usage; other concomitant solutions were however offered.