This report is based upon data obtained from the 'Washington Area Motor Vehicle Accident Cost Study' questionaires which included information on vehicle class, type, model year, and number of seat belts installed. The type of passenger cars studied included: American made, compact and stardard cars; and small and standard foreign cars. Data was obtained on over 1300 of the automobiles registered in the District of Columbia as of March 31, 1965. It was concluded that: Over 50% of cars registered in the D.C. area, manufactured since seat belt installation was optional to the buyer, were equipped with seat belts; In 1964, 10% of car owners did not have seat belts, even though they were required by the annual D.C. vehicle inspection; Available seat belts were not in use at the time of 45% of the nonfatal accidents; The fatality ratio was 25% better in cases where seat belts were in use. (BPR abstract)
Seat Belt Installation and Use
1967
33 pages
Report
No indication
English