Abstract
Two experiments employed surveys to address seat belt experience and use as well as perceptions of risk associated with various seat belt configurations. In Experiment 1, a questionnaire was administered to two samples: 104 students at the University of Houston and 162 volunteers at a shopping mall in Raleigh, North Carolina. of primary interest was the use of manual lap belts in motorized shoulder belt systems and reasons for their use or non use. Results showed that compared to manual three point belts, usage rates for manual lap belts in the motorized system were lower. Forgetting and traveling a short distance were frequently cited as reasons for not fastening belts. Estimates of fatalities in a head-on collision scenario indicated lap belts and shoulder belts were perceived to provide equal protection. In Experiment 2, 147 students at the University of Houston completed a follow-up questionnaire. Usage patterns were virtually the same as in Experiment 1. Estimates of likelihood to use lap belts after viewing six different warnings about seat belt use showed warnings containing more explicit hazard information were likely to lead to higher use rates.
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