Buckle up: Unmasking the seatbelt dilemma among SA drivers

The three-point seatbelt is hailed as one of the key breakthroughs in automotive safety.

Created by Volvo back in 1959, this Swedish manufacturer opted to distribute this life-saving invention globally rather than secure a patent.

Consequently, it is believed that since its debut, the three-point seatbelt has preserved over a million lives.

A recent survey conducted by Volvo Car South Africa sheds light on the habits of local drivers and passengers regarding seatbelt use.

The results uncovered a troubling trend among younger demographics, many of whom neglect to fasten their seatbelts.

Furthermore, the survey reveals significant gender disparities in buckling up.

Cool Factor: Men’s perception matters more

The ‘cool factor’ plays a much larger role in men’s seatbelt choices compared to women’s. A notable 19% of men feel that wearing a seatbelt isn’t crucial—or “cool”—when parked or cruising in perceived “safe areas.”

This inclination intensifies when their companions aren’t buckled up, indicating that men are more susceptible to peer influence in this regard. Interestingly, many men equate seatbelt usage with being a “bad driver” or having anxious passengers, a sentiment shared by only 8% of women.

Seated behind the wheel: Gender differences emerge

According to the survey findings, women tend to ride as passengers more frequently, while men are more likely to take the driver’s seat.

When it comes to wearing seatbelts, 21% of men confessed they don’t consistently buckle up, compared to a mere 12% of women.

This cautious approach to road safety is evident in other behaviors as well.

For instance, among those surveyed, women perceive themselves as superior drivers, with 49% rating their driving skills as a perfect “5/5,” unlike 43% of men.

Additionally, men have shown a tendency to violate traffic regulations more than women.

A striking 38% of men admitted to speeding, contrasted with only 22% of women.

 Similarly, 28% of men reported using mobile phones while driving, compared to 21% of women. These statistics imply that women are generally less inclined to partake in risky actions behind the wheel, favoring safer driving practices.

“Seatbelts save lives, yet too many individuals still disregard this straightforward safety measure,” remarked Felipe Yagi, Head of Marketing & Communications at Volvo Car South Africa.

“Whether you’re steering the wheel or sitting as a passenger, in the front or rear, buckling up significantly cuts down the chances of injury or fatality. It’s a safety routine no one can afford to bypass.”

Passenger Dynamics: Men vs. Women

The dynamics of seatbelt usage shift notably between drivers and passengers. Women are more inclined to secure their seatbelts both as drivers and front-seat passengers, while men tend to wear them predominantly in the back of the vehicle. Understanding the physiological distinctions between genders, Volvo has taken an innovative stance on crash testing.

Since 1995, the Swedish automaker has incorporated female crash test dummies and, in the early 2000s, led the way with a virtual model of a pregnant woman.

Additional advancements include a mid-sized female dummy dedicated to whiplash testing, ensuring the company’s safety initiatives are both effective and inclusive.

False Sense of Security Near Home

Many drivers forgo their seatbelts when navigating familiar roads or neighborhoods, feeling more at ease. However, research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that most fatal accidents occur within 40 kilometers of home and at speeds under 64 kilometers per hour, highlighting the risk of becoming complacent on short journeys.

Despite this data, 48% of men admit they “sometimes or never” wear seatbelts when driving close to home, while only 36% of women share this attitude.

“This information serves as a stark reminder that danger often lurks where we feel safest—on familiar streets nearby. A seatbelt isn’t reserved for long distances or high speeds; it’s a vital safety practice for every trip, regardless of how brief or ordinary,” Yagi concluded.

1. https://www.volvocars.com/en-ca/safety/research/
2. https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/seat-belts