This study examined differences between drivers under age 55 and drivers 55+ in terms of restraint use and the injury patterns of restrained and unrestrained drivers. 765 motorists were included, N=628 under 55 and N=137 55 and over;​ all were involved in crashes that resulted in hospital admission or fatal injuries. The data was abstracted from the police accident reports and the hospital record, or autopsy report, for each subject.

Hospitalized drivers 55+ more often used restraints, both properly and improperly, had more deaths post-injury, and a higher mean length of hospital stay than younger drivers. Chest injuries were more common among older drivers, but restraint use lessened the number of cases with rib fractures. The protection afforded by restraints to younger drivers was not duplicated in drivers 55 and over.