Safety belt use and its related factors: a study from Kerman, Iran

To estimate the rate of safety belt use and its related factors among the car drivers of Kerman، Iran.

This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Kerman، Iran. Data were collected by observation and were recorded by two researchers in terms of safety belt use.

In all 10،309 drivers were screened. Of these، 5483 derivers (53. 19%) used their safety belt. Safety belts were significantly used by women more than men (P<0. 001). There was no significant difference between different age groups (p=0. 138). The use of safety belts was significantly higher in the city center (P<0. 001) and higher in the morning hours compared to the afternoon (P<0. 001).

Although safety belt use is compulsory by law، the rate of safety belt use is still low in Kerman، Iran. In order to increase the rate of safety belt use tougher regulations and intense public education is suggested.