An analysis of factors associated with seat belt use: prevention opportunities for the medical community

Abstract

Motor vehicle collisions are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the Oklahoma population. The cost associated with this morbidity and mortality is exacerbated by the failure of individuals to use seat belts. Numerous organizations believe that seat belt compliance can be improved through physician counseling. This would allow medical resources to be redirected towards other health problems. Analysis was performed using the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (ODPS) crash file and the hospital in-patient data discharge file from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). These provide a profile of Oklahoma drivers who do not use seat belts. This analysis allows physicians to pinpoint and advise those individuals most likely to not utilize seat belts about the benefits of seat belt use. The results of the analysis show that non-seat belt-users tend to be young and male. Significant predictors of seat belt use are age, gender, alcohol use, time of day (day versus night), driver location (urban versus rural), vehicle type (pick up versus passenger car), and decreased hospital charges. These results show that increased seat belt use can lead to significant decreases in fatalities related to motor vehicle crashes and a decline in associated hospital charges for those who survive. Physicians should encourage seat belt use by their patients and inform them of the risks associated with failure to use seat belts.