Fatality Rates in Toyota Cressidas With Automatic Belts

Automatic belts in Toyota Cressidas have increased belt usage by front-seat occupants of these cars to more than 95 percent. This paper compares the fatal accident experience of these cars with that of the fairly similar Datsun (Nissan) 810/Maxima automobiles (which are equipped with manual belts used by about 20 percent of their occupants). It shows the result of the increased belt usage is a decrease in fatalities among Toyota front-seat occupants. In fatal accidents where no front-seat occupants of the Toyotas or Datsuns are killed, the Toyotas have a higher involvement rate than the Datsuns. Also, on average, the fatally injured front-seat occupants of the Toyotas are 7 years older than those in the Datsuns.