Effectiveness of Rear-Seat Lap-Belts in Crash Injury Reduction

摘要

The report describes crash data related to the injury-reducing effectiveness of rear seat lap belts and front seat lap/shoulder belts. Both topics have been addressed repeatedly in scientific reports spanning decades and continents. This repetition is presented because of a recent report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) (1986), in which the effectiveness of rear seat lap belts is questioned. Presented herein is an analysis of North Carolina crashes as reported statewide by local and state police agencies. Also included are comments on the NTSB conclusions regarding rear seat lap belt effectiveness.