Effect of seat belt legislation on injuries in road traffic accidents in Nottingham

Abstract

Legislation making the use of seat belts compulsory for drivers and front seat passengers of most cars and light vehicles was introduced in the United Kingdom on 1 February 1983. Experience in other countries suggested that this measure would substantially reduce deaths and injuries to occupants of the front seats of motor vehicles in road traffic accidents. The authors undertook a survey to assess the impact of the legislation on the number and severity of injuries seen in the accident and emergency department of a large teaching hospital.