Identifying Traveler Groups Lacking in Seatbelt Usage and Suggesting Policy Measures

Abstract

This study was aimed to identify the traveler groups who are exposed to potential of severe injury due to lack of seatbelt use. Moreover, policy measures have been suggested to enhance seatbelt use among such groups. A hybrid data collection approach was adopted to gather traveler information. Seatbelt usage questionnaire was used as the survey instrument. The survey was carried out in the parking lots of educational and commercial facilities around Bahrain. Statistical tests, namely, t-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), were used to compare the attributes of travelers. Literature review was used to verify the findings of this study and identify common traveler groups which are lacking in seatbelt use. The recommendations are also provided on policy measures which could be adopted globally to promote seatbelt use. It was found that occupation, education, gender, nationality and accident occurrence have significant impact on seatbelt wearing. It was also found that accident experience and seatbelt wearing, both are dependent on travelers’ social and cultural background rather than each other. The findings of this study matched previous literature. Groups lacking in seatbelt use included male passengers belonging to lower- and middle-income groups which fits the description of expatriate workers in Bahrain. Some policy measures, appropriate to these groups, have also been suggested.