The validity of self-reported seatbelt use in a country where levels of use are low.
The validity of self-reported seatbelt use among low belt use populations in low belt use countries has not been evaluated directly. Nine hundred and ninety drivers were recruited from shopping centers, car parks, and other suitable locations located in Afyon and Ankara cities of Turkey in order to compare the self-reported and observed seatbelt usage rates. Data sets were collected simultaneously from the participants not being aware of having their seatbelt use observed. Participants interviewed in Afyon (n=301) and Ankara (n=658) reported seatbelt usage ("always using a seatbelt") rates of 39% and 45%, respectively. When observed, however, only 47% in Afyon and 70% in Ankara of these drivers actually fasten their seat-belts. It seems that the drivers in both cities exaggerated their use seat belts considerably.
Department of Psychology, Middle East Technical University, Turkey. ozturker@metu.edu.tr
Türker
T
Ozkan
Prasanthi
P
Puvanachandra
Timo
T
Lajunen
Connie
C
Hoe
Adnan
A
Hyder
D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057566:Self Report; D014421:Turkey