Abstract
Aim: To determine the prevalence of seat belt (SB) use and proper headrest (HR) position by car drivers in Lebanon. Methods: After adequate training of ten volunteers, the mean of visual reliability of the position of the HR in relation to the driver’s head, compared to a slide ruler, were 89% and 97% for the horizontal and vertical positions, respectively. The first six cars dropping at eight four‐way busy intersections in 5 Mohafazats (states) were observed for the position of the HR and use of SB. Results: Two thousand one hundred and five car drivers were observed. Only 9.4% of the drivers observed use the SB. Only 32% of the drivers had the HR adequately adjusted in both planes. Characteristics of the population using the SB and HR correctly are presented. Conclusions: HR and SB are underutilized by drivers in Lebanon. Actions to improve the proper use of these safety devices are needed.
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