The objective was to study if there were differences in driver’s seat belt wearing rates between cars with and without Seat Belt Reminders (SBRs), and if there were differences in wearing rates between some different European countries indicating that the potential in saving lives could vary between the counties.

The influence on seat belt wearing rates of SBRs fulfilling the Euro NCAP specification was studied in seven EU countries;​ Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden. The same observer performed all observations and he noted if the seat belt was used and the car model observed. In total 11160 cars were observed. The measurements were only made in cities and did only concern driver SBR.

For all observations the total seat belt wearing rate was 97.5% in cars with SBR, while it was 85.8% in cars without. The results indicate that the number of unbelted car occupants is decreased by 80% independent of the wearing rate. The highest wearing rate in cars with SBRs was found in Paris, 99.8%, and the lowest in Brussels, 92.6%. The results support previous estimations that more than 7000 lives could be saved every year in the EU if all cars were fitted with SBRs. Therefore actions aimed at increasing the fitment rates of SBRs are desirable.

Previously it has been estimated that SBRs are one of the most cost effective measures to save lives. The results in this study support the estimation.