Citation

Agent KR, Barclay M, Deen RC. Transp. Res. Rec. 1979; 739: 14-21.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1979, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The use and effectiveness of safety belts in Kentucky are examined, and factors that affect their use are identified. Data were obtained from three sources: field observations, accident reports, and a questionnaire. Kentucky drivers and passengers were found to have lower rates of safety-belt use (slightly less than 10 percent) than drivers and passengers in other states. The accident data showed that safety belts reduced the chance of being killed by a factor of six and the chance of being severely injured by a factor of two. Several factors were found to have significant effects on the use of safety belts. Safety-belt use was higher among drivers who were over 25 years of age, those who had a college education, and those driving in newer and/or out-of-state automobiles, on Interstates and parkways, and in large cities. The driving records of drivers who wore safety belts were found to be better than the records of those who did not wear safety belts. In regard to a law making the use of safety belts mandatory, it was found that approximately one-third of the drivers were in favor, one-third were neutral, and one-third were against such a law.