AAA Study Examines Reasons for Not Wearing Seat Belts

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety surveyed a nationally representative sample of more than 2,800 U.S. adults on seat belt use behaviors, attitudes and decision-making, with oversampling of those who never, rarely or sometimes wear seat belts, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

Common Excuses for Non-Use

Typical excuses included “I’m only driving a short distance,” “I’m in a rush” and “I forget to put it on.” Other reasons listed were driving in light traffic, the hassle of buckling up, concern over wrinkled clothes, physical discomfort, low perceived crash probability, peers not wearing belts, and resistance to being told what to do.

Seat Belt Usage and Fatality Data

A literature review within the study found that 90% of U.S. adult drivers and passengers wear seat belts. Analysis of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System showed that drivers and passengers who do not wear seat belts account for nearly half of all traffic fatalities, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

Drug and alcohol use by drivers and passengers was linked to lower seat belt use.

Reasons for Wearing Seat Belts

Respondents who do buckle up cited habits such as “It’s a habit,” “I feel unsafe not wearing it,” and “It’s the law.”