Past research concerning the use and non-use of safety belts has tended to stereotype users and non-users as distinct entities on the basis of a single observed situation. The thought processes underlying the reasons given by drivers for using or not using seat belts have not been explored.

The purpose of this study was to observe belt use by a group of drivers and describe factors contributing to their use or non-use as defined by the drivers themselves. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 239 drivers whose safety belt wearing behavior was observed in specific city or highway driving locations. City drivers were interviewed only if they were observed wearing or not wearing a safety belt on two consecutive days, whereas highway drivers were observed and interviewed immediately after pulling off a high speed (100 km/h) freeway. Vehicle licence numbers, gender and age group of selected drivers were used to retrieve driver records and insurance policy data. Open-ended questions were asked concerning their reasons for use or non-use, their attitudes towards safety belts and other types of traffic safety countermeasures. Demographic variables and other observable characteristics (such as use of daytime running lights) were recorded and driver records reviewed to analyze past accident and conviction histories.Past research concerning the use and non-use of safety belts has tended to stereotype users and non-users as distinct entities on the basis of a single observed situation. The thought processes underlying the reasons given by drivers for using or not using seat belts have not been explored. The purpose of this study was to observe belt use by a group of drivers and describe factors contributing to their use or non-use as defined by the drivers themselves. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 239 drivers whose safety belt wearing behavior was observed in specific city or highway driving locations. City drivers were interviewed only if they were observed wearing or not wearing a safety belt on two consecutive days, whereas highway drivers were observed and interviewed immediately after pulling off a high speed (100 km/h) freeway. Vehicle licence numbers, gender and age group of selected drivers were used to retrieve driver records and insurance policy data. Open-ended questions were asked concerning their reasons for use or non-use, their attitudes towards safety belts and other types of traffic safety countermeasures. Demographic variables and other observable characteristics (such as use of daytime running lights) were recorded and driver records reviewed to analyze past accident and conviction histories.

Driver attitudes, characteristics and records were compared between observed safety belt user and non-user groups to validate variables predicting use or non-use. Respondents' descriptions of the social and personal context of their choice to use or not use safety belts provide a broader view of seat belt wearing that suggests implications for planning future enforcement and education programs. Driver attitudes, characteristics and records were compared between observed safety belt user and non-user groups to validate variables predicting use or non-use. Respondents' descriptions of the social and personal context of their choice to use or not use safety belts provide a broader view of seat belt wearing that suggests implications for planning future enforcement and education programs.