BELT USE IN 1975 CARS: INITIAL DATA FROM METROPOLITAN AREA

The present study was undertaken to assess belt use in early 1975. This is a preliminary report on belt use in the Houston metropolitan area during March, 1975. Sex and estimated age of the driver was recorded, as was use of lap belt, shoulder belt, no belt, inability to see, and vehicle license tag number. Trucks and vans were excluded. Of 394 observed 1975 cars, 27% were using the lap and shoulder belt combination and an additional 8% were using lap belts only. Thus 65% of 1975 car drivers had no protection. In 1974 cars, 28% of the drivers were using lap and shoulder belts and 8% used the lap belt only. Observed use of any belt in 1972-1975 cars in 1975 was 29% compared to 23% in 1968-1971 cars observed in 1970. Passengers are less likely to use belts than drivers, and children even less so. Belt use in small cities is less than in large cities. /MW/

• Corporate Authors:

  Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

  1005 North Glebe Road
  Arlington, VA  United States  22201
• Authors:
  • Robertson, L S
• Publication Date: 1975-5

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: 9 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Age; Automobiles by type; Drivers; Gender; License plates; Manual safety belts; Metropolitan areas; Restraint systems; Shoulder harnesses; Small cities; Vision
• Uncontrolled Terms: Driver age; Vehicle make
• Old TRIS Terms: Driver vision; Passenger restraints; Shoulder harness
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00133565
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Safety Council Safety Research Info Serv
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 4 1976 12:00AM