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Journal Article

Citation

Zambon F, Fedeli U, Visentin C, Marchesan M, Avossa F, Brocco S, Spolaore P. J. Epidemiol. Community Health 2007; 61(10): 877-881.

Affiliation

Viale della Vittoria 83, Vittorio Veneto 31029, Italy; (francesco.zambon@unipd.it)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/jech.2006.057729

PMID

17873223

PMCID

PMC2652965

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a demerit points system, introduced in Italy in July 2003, on the prevalence of seat belt use (intermediate outcome) and the number of road traffic deaths and injuries (health outcomes). DESIGN: Pre- and post-intervention regional observational study for seat belt investigation (April 2003, October 2004); national time-series analysis of road traffic deaths and injuries between 1999 and 2004 for health outcomes. SETTING: Veneto region, Italy. PARTICIPANTS: 19 551 drivers, 19 057 front passengers and 8123 rear passengers estimated to be aged over 11 years were included in the investigation into seat belt use. 38 154 fatalities and 1 938 550 injured subjects were examined for the time-series analysis. INTERVENTIONS: Demerit points system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The proportions of drivers and front and rear passengers observed to be using seat belts before and after the intervention; estimates of lives and injuries saved through the implementation of a penalty points system. RESULTS: The demerit points system was followed by an increase in observed seat belt use of 51.8% (95% confidence interval 48.7% to 54.9%) among drivers, of 42.3% (95% confidence interval 39.2% to 45.5%) among front passengers and of 120.7% (95% confidence interval 99.4% to 144.3%) among rear passengers. It is estimated that 1545 (95% confidence interval 1387 to 1703; p<0.0001) deaths and 91 772 (95% confidence interval 67 762 to 115 783; p<0.0001) injuries were prevented in the 18 months after the introduction of the legislation, i.e. an 18% reduction (1545/8570) in fatalities and a 19% reduction (91 772/473 048) in injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The demerit points system is effective both in encouraging drivers and passengers to adhere to the law and in terms of health outcomes, substantially contributing to road safety.

Language: en

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