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Thirteen Years of Seat Belt Usage-How Great the Benefits
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English
Abstract
Mandatory seat belt usage can achieve a high wearing rate by vehicle occupants. This has been the Victorian experience since seat belt laws were first introduced late in 1970.
The undoubted benefits afforded by a seat restraint in a road crash are reflected in the significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries sustained by vehicle occupants. These benefits have contributed to community acceptance of seat belt laws and a willingness to accept other road safety countermeasures.
Whilst there has been no significant change in the patterns of injury sustained by restrained and unrestrained vehicle occupants there is clinical evidence that the incidence of head and chest injuries has declined. However, the incidence of head and chest injuries is still unacceptable and indicates the need to refine existing restraint systems, to redesign the vehicle and to develop other protective devices.
A simple act of political courage would save countless American lives in road crashes.
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Citation
Trinca, G., "Thirteen Years of Seat Belt Usage-How Great the Benefits," SAE Technical Paper 840192, 1984, https://doi.org/10.4271/840192.Also In
References
- COWLEY, J.E. CAMERON, M.H. “Prediction of motor vehicle occupant fatality trends following seat belt wearing legislation” Proceedings - 8th Conference, Australian Road Research Board 1976
- ROAD SAFETY & TRAFFIC AUTHORITY, VICTORIA Submission to Victorian Government Inquiry into Road Safety in Victoria 1983
- MILNE, P.W. “Seat Belts - The Benefits Gained and Challenges Remaining” Proceedings - Road Safety Initiatives 1980 Commemorative Conference, Melbourne 1980
- BOUGHTON, C.J. “Present Situation of Australian Legislation Covering Child Restraints” Proceedings - Symposium Restraining the Child in a Car, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Melbourne 1978
- SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA Interim Report on Road Safety in Victoria 1982-83
- HENDERSON, J.M. VAZEY, B.A. HERBERT, D.C. STOTT, J.D. “The Effects of Seat Belt Design and Anchorage Geometry on Injury Patterns” Proceedings of Sixth International Conference of the International Association for Accident & Traffic Medicine Melbourne 1977
- TRINCA, G.W. DOOLEY, B.J. “The Effects of Seat Belt Legislation on Road Traffic Injuries” Aust.N.Z.J. Surg 47 2 April 1977