Citation

Lee SW. J. Traffic Med. 1996; 24(3-4): 65-68.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, International Association for Accident and Traffic Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective: This study was aiming at estimating how car occupants casualties have grown when compared to those of pedestrians over the last ten years and recommending to reinforce the seatbelt wearing law which at present is not properly operating. Methods: Accidents, injuries and deaths caused by vehicle-vehicle collisions versus vehicle-pedestrian collisions are investigated over the period 1984-1993. The rates of two groups are compared with each other. Results: The proportions of accidents, injuries and deaths due to vehicle-vehicle collisions have been significantly rising, while the data concerning vehicle-pedestrian collisions is showing a definite reduction trend. Accidents and injuries by vehicle-vehicle crashes have exceeded those by vehicle-pedestrian crashes since 1991 and 1987 respectively. The rate of deaths in the group of vehicle-vehicle crashes has steadily increased coming close to that of vehicle-pedestrian crashes. Conclusion: In the situation where the rate of increase in car occupant casualties is significantly high, reinforcement of the seatbelt wearing law should be added to road safety policy priorities in order to facilitate the use of seatbelts.