SAFETY BELT USE IN AUTOMOBILES WITH STARTER-INTERLOCK AND BUZZER-LIGHT REMINDER SYSTEMS

The present study documents the extent of belt use in vehicles with the buzzer-light and interlock systems. Use or non-use of safety belts by drivers in their vehicles was visually observed in 138 sites across the United States in late 1973 and early 1974. Belt use was increased in urban areas by the introduction of the interlock system in 1974 vehicles. At least a lap belt was in use twice as frequently in 1974 vehicles equipped with the interlock system as in 1973 vehicles equipped with the buzzer-light system, observed under the same conditions. However, 41% of drivers in the 1974 vehicles were not using any belts. A similar survey in the spring of 1975 found that belt use in interlock-equipped cars was 33%. The American public opposes legislation of the interlock system, and transfer their feelings to the air bag. However, there are differences between these two devices: the interlock forces people to do something for their protection, while the air bag does not. The air bag works in a crisis and protects everyone.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00900036
• Corporate Authors:

  American Public Health Association

  1740 Broadway
  New York, NY  United States  10019
• Authors:
  • Robertson, L S
• Publication Date: 1975-12

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 1318-44
• Serial:
  • American Journal of Public Health
  • Volume: 65
  • Issue Number: 12
  • Publisher: American Public Health Association
  • ISSN: 0090-0036
  • EISSN: 1541-0048
  • Serial URL: http://ajph.aphapublications.org/loi/ajph

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air bags; Data collection; Ignition seat belt interlocks; Manual safety belts; Restraint systems; Surveys; Urban areas
• Old TRIS Terms: Passenger restraints
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00131990
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Safety Council Safety Research Info Serv
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 5 1976 12:00AM