Research done in 2014 by doctors at the University of Stellenbosch found that of 107 patients studied after being involved in an accident, only 25% wore their seatbelts.
Occupants of a vehicle that was in an accident were found to be five times more likely to have sustained very serious injuries and be admitted to hospital than those who were restrained.
Head of emergency medical services in Nelson Mandela Bay Brenhan Metune said not wearing a seatbelt significantly raised the odds of fatal injuries for those involved in accidents.
“I think the point we are trying to make is that if you are in a car that comes to an abrupt stop because of an accident, your body is still travelling at the same speed the car was going,” Metune said.
Netcare 911 general manager of national operations Shalen Ramduth agreed.
“A number of studies have shown that, in the case of a vehicle accident, injuries are prevented and lives saved when adults and children are properly restrained.
“Despite this, all too many South Africans continue to drive without wearing seatbelts, and, perhaps of still greater concern, many fail to ensure that their children are safely buckled up.”
“Thousands of South Africans are killed or injured on our roads every year.
“These fatalities could be reduced considerably if all drivers took heed of some basic safety advice, such as ensuring all occupants wear safety belts.”
René Grobler, from the Netcare Trauma Injury Prevention (TIP) programme said the benefits of properly strapping children in are clear.
“Rear-facing child seats have been shown to reduce injury by as much as 76% and severe injury by 92%.
