Citation

Cromack JR, Mason RL. Proc. Am. Assoc. Automot. Med. Annu. Conf. 1976; 20: 367-381.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective and subjective data pertaining to the utilization of restraint systems by outboard front-seat occupants in a carefully drawn sample of 1973-1976 model year cars in traffic accidents in south central Texas were collected. The data were collected and analyzed by Southwest Research Institute accident investigators as part of a nationally based program sponsored by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to study the effectiveness of restraint systems. Although the results reported represent only the local situation, they do indicate a significant improvement in restraint system effectiveness (i.e., reduction in number of injured persons and reduction in injury severity) as a person uses progressively more restraints, i.e., unrestrained, lapbelt only, both lap and shoulder belts. Occupants' attitudes and practices regarding restraint systems were fairly consistent, with slightly less than 50 percent of the occupants both utilizing restraints and expressing (qualified, in some cases) acceptance for belt restraints. Restraint system preferences, attempts to defeat restraint systems, reasons for attempts, and who accomplished the defeat are also discussed.