The effect of the 1979 french seat-belt law on the nature and severity of injuries to front-seat occupants

Abstract

In a regional study of the effect of the 1979 French seat-belt law, the nature and severity of car occupants' injuries were recorded for all car crashes during the same 3-month period in 1976, 1977, 1978 (before the law), and in 1979 (after the law). A trend analysis of data from all 4 years showed a slight decrease in the total injury rate, and significant decreases in the frequency of hospital admissions, and of head, face, arm, and leg injuries. Moderate pelvic and leg injuries, and serious head injuries were also less than expected in 1979. There was also a significant increase in the frequency of thoraco-lumbar spine injuries and of serious cervical spine injuries, but the absolute increase in these injuries was less than the absolute decrease in other injuries. These changes are compatible with the biomechanical effects of increased seat belt use, and thus suggest a beneficial effect of the law.