Seatbelt Usage in Cars Reaches 93.5% in Austria

Recent research conducted by the ÖAMTC has revealed that 93.5% of car occupants in Austria are now wearing seatbelts. This survey, which included over 20,000 participants in various provincial capitals, highlights notable trends in seatbelt compliance. According to traffic safety expert David Nosé, men tend to be less diligent about buckling up compared to women, and there are significant regional variations in compliance rates.

The importance of wearing a seatbelt cannot be overstated, as it significantly reduces the risk of fatalities in traffic accidents. Nosé noted that if all car occupants consistently wore seatbelts, it could potentially save up to 40 lives annually. Even at speeds as low as 30 km/h, a collision can result in severe or fatal injuries, underscoring the necessity of seatbelt use--even for short trips within urban areas.

The latest data indicates a positive trend in seatbelt usage, with particularly high compliance rates reported in Styria, Tyrol, and Vorarlberg, where figures exceed 97%. In contrast, Vienna shows a troubling rate of just 86.6%. While regions like Upper Austria, Burgenland, Styria, Tyrol, and Vorarlberg have improved their statistics, both Carinthia and Salzburg experienced declines. The rates in Vienna and Lower Austria remained relatively stable.

Gender disparities in seatbelt use are evident, with women achieving a compliance rate of 96%, while men lag behind at 91.8%. Austria has enforced a legal requirement for seatbelt use since 1976, with violations subject to fines that have been applicable since 1984, starting at a minimum of EUR50.

The ÖAMTC advocates for enhanced awareness initiatives to further increase seatbelt usage. They suggest implementing engaging campaigns, such as the 'seatbelt sled,' and propose that seatbelt education be integrated more thoroughly into driver training programs.