Attitudes and behavior of Chinese drivers regarding seatbelt use

In the current study, research was conducted in five cities in China to examine seatbelt use and to explore Chinese drivers’ attitudes toward using seatbelts. Multiple data collection methods consisted of 35 initial semi-structured interviews to create questions for an in-person survey and 500 driver observations that included administering the in-person survey. Questions explored were why Chinese drivers use or do not use seatbelts and what they think would be the best interventions to increase the rate of seatbelt use in Chinese drivers. The relationships between various personal characteristics and seatbelt use rates were investigated. Also examined were the relationships between seatbelt use (both objective observation and subjective self-reported use) and self-reported car crashes and traffic violations. This study provides insight into the attitudes of Chinese drivers on seatbelt use and potential interventions.