Driver safety-belt use--Budapest, Hungary, 1993.
An estimated 300,000 persons die and 10-15 million persons are injured each year in traffic crashes throughout the world (1). Safety-belt use is one of the most effective means of reducing the number and severity of injuries in motor-vehicle crashes (2). In Hungary, front-seat occupants of all motor vehicles have been required to use safety belts since 1976. Since March 1993, rear-seat passengers have been required to wear safety belts in nonurban areas. Drivers in violation of the law are subject to fines and potential suspension of driving privileges. To evaluate driver compliance with the safety-belt use law, on May 10, 1993, CDC conducted an observational prevalence survey of safety-belt use in Budapest in conjunction with the U.S. Department of State and the American International School of Budapest; this survey was performed in collaboration with the Hungarian Ministry of Transport, Communication, and Water Management and the Budapest Police Department. This report presents findings of the study.
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary; D008297:Male; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*