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Affiliation
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a Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales , Barker St Randwick NSW, 2031 , Australia. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to describe seat belt wearing patterns and quality of seat belt fit among drivers aged 75 years and older. A secondary aim is to explore associations between body shape, comfort and seat belt use patterns.
METHODS: This is an observation and survey study of a cohort of 380 drivers aged 75 years and over. During home visits, photographs were taken of the drivers in their vehicles for later analysis of belt fit and a short survey was also administered to collect demographic data and information about seat belt use and comfort. Seat belt fit, and use of belt and seat accessories were analysed from the photographs.
RESULTS: Data from 367 participants with photographs were analysed. While 97% reported using a seat belt and 90% reported their seat belt to be comfortable, 21% reported repositioning their seat belt to improve comfort. Good sash and lap belt fit were achieved in 53% and 59% of participants respectively but only 35% achieved overall good fit. Both poor sash and lap belt fit were observed in 23% of participants. Drivers who were in the obese category had over twice the odds (95% CI 1.2-4.1) of having a poor lap belt fit than those in the normal BMI range, and drivers who were overweight had 1.8 times the odds (95% CI 1.1-2.9) of having poor lap belt fit. Older females also had twice the odds (95%CI 1.3-3.5) of poor lap belt fit than older males, regardless of BMI. Sash belt fit did not vary significantly by BMI, stature or gender. However older drivers who reported they had not made any adjustments to the D-Ring height had 1.7 times the odds of having poor sash belt fit than those who made adjustments (1.2-2.9). Females were 7.3 times more likely to report comfort problems than males (95% CI 3.2, 16.3) but there was no association between reported comfort and BMI, or seat belt fit. Drivers who reported comfort problems had 6 times the odds (3.2-13.6) of also reporting active re-positioning of the belt.
CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest older drivers face challenges achieving comfortable and correct seat belt fit. This may have a negative impact on crash protection. Belt fit problems appear to be associated with body shape, particularly high BMI and gender. There is a need for further investigation of comfort accessories, in the interim older drivers and occupants should be encouraged to use features such as D-ring adjusters to improve sash belt fit.
Language: en |