Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

To assess the attitudes of drivers in the UK to car seat belts. To study the degree of relationship between the attitudes measured and a wider set of attitudes concerned with driving in general and with aspects of personal risk, security, boredom, and fear of confinement. To attempt to distinguish groups of respondents in terms of both their seat belt use and their attitudes and demographic characteristics.

Main Topics:

Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions Miles driven per year, whether seat belts fitted (to which seats), seat belt/buckle type, whether children's seats or seat belts fitted/used, knowledge of restraint/protective devices other than seat belts. Use of seat belts in various situations: 15/60 minutes on quiet country road/motorway/town centre; in bad weather; hot weather; darkness; wearing a heavy coat; best clothes; knowing car is in poor shape; familiar route; child passengers; holiday weekend; tired or ill; in a hurry; fed-up or angry; rough roads; light traffic. Reasons for using/not using seat belts. Respondents asked to agree/disagree with a number of statements about seat belts, driving behaviour and safety in general. Background Variables Age, sex, marital status, social class.

Quota of electoral districts, respondents selected systematically

Face-to-face interview