A Preventive Health Orientation in Safety Belt and Child Safety Seat Use

Traffic crashes are recognized as a major public health problem posing significant threat across the age spectrum. Failure to wear safety belts is among the highest behavioral risk factors identified in numerous health surveys. Because traffic crashes are one of the leading cause of productive years of life lost and the leading cause of death among ages 5-34, effective safety belt and child safety seat promotion programs must involve health as well as highway safety agencies. Health promotion approaches found effective in reducing morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases should be applied in reducing premature death and disability from motor vehicle trauma. Programs and educational approaches in which safety belt and child safety seat use is promoted as a preventive health practice encourage the public to view these protective behaviors as part of a healthy lifestyle.