RESTRAINT EFFECTIVENESS, AVAILABILITY AND USE IN FATAL CRASHES - IMPLICATIONS TO INJURY CONTROL

The effectiveness and benefits of occupant restraint systems are compared by seating position in motor vehicles. While safety belts are 42% effective in preventing fatalities, the addition of the driver side airbag provides a 12% increase in effectiveness. The implications of safety belt use and airbag availability over the next decade are considered for fatal injury prevention. The analysis includes theoretical relationships and forecasts fatality prevention as lap-shoulder belt use increases and airbags phase into the vehicle fleet.