ETSC hosted a transport safety lunch in Brussels on 25 October 2006 to discuss the contribution to safety of seat belt reminders and to launch ETSC's new Policy Paper "Seat Belt Reminders - Implementing advanced safety technology in Europe's cars". Panelists included: Anders Lie (Swedish Road Administration), Franziska Achterberg (Road Safety Performance Index (PIN), ETSC), Pablo López (FITSA), Tjark Kreuzinger (Toyota Motor Europe), and Peter Schmitz (European Commission). Chairperson: Antonio Avenoso (ETSC's Deputy Director).
Anders Lie showed in his presentation "History, present and future?" that even in countries with a good seat belt wearing rate there is a huge live saving potential for seat belt reminders. Using the example of Sweden - which has a seat belt wearing rate of 92% for drivers- he explained that of the 400 car occupant deaths annually approximately 50% were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. This means that 100 of these 200 victims' lives could be saved every year if every car occupant wore a seat belt. 99% of the people that do not wear a seat belt are not against seat belts in general, but simply forget to buckle up. Seat belt reminders can help this "part time users" to develop habits of belt use. Anders Lie presented findings from a recent Folksam study that took place in different European cities to examine to impact of seat belt reminders in urban areas. The study found that in all cities the seat belt usage was higher in cars with seat belt reminders than in cars of the control group without reminders. The most remarkable difference in seat belt use was observed in Brussels where seat belt use was 92% with a reminder and 69% without. But even in a city with a high general use - like Paris with 96% - reminders increased the use to 99%.
Franziska Achterberg presented recent findings from ETSC's Road Safety Performance Index (PIN). She showed that more than half of the new passenger cars sold in Europe are equipped with advanced seat belt reminder systems for the driver seat. In Sweden, nearly 70% of new passenger cars are equipped with seat belt reminders for the driver seat. In Luxembourg, this is 64% and in Germany 63%. In the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, Italy and Greece, this is however less than half of the new passenger cars. To achieve widest-possible penetration of seat belt reminders in Europe, the EU should pass a Directive making seat belt reminders mandatory in all cars, not only for the driver seat but also the other seats, Franziska Achterberg added. This would work away inequality while ensuring best protection of all car users in Europe.
Pablo Lopéz explained FITSA's experiences with seat belt reminders in Spain. He pointed out that between 200 and 320 lives could be saved in Spain if the whole fleet were equipped with seat belt reminders. In 2004, only 4,4% of the whole car fleet was equipped with reminders. The cost benefit ratio of an introduction of seat belt reminders for the driver seat to all cars in Spain would be 1 to 4 taking into account a 12 year implementation period.
Tjark Kreuzinger set out the role of car manufacturers for the introduction of seat belt reminders and Toyota's responsibility in improving road safety. He emphasized that seat belt reminders are an important measure to increase vehicle safety, but pointed out that they have to be technically safe to avoid misdetection. Mr. Kreuzinger remarked that there was no doubt regarding the cost-effectiveness of seat belt reminders for front seats whereas the cost-effectiveness for rear seats had to be proven. Tax incentives by governments and insurance incentives should be considered as an effective measure in promoting seat belt reminders across Europe.
Peter Schmitz from the European Commission agreed that the cost-effectiveness of seat belt reminders needs to be proven, especially for the rear seats. He said the technical requirements were clear as they are based on the Euro NCAP protocol. Mr. Schmitz emphasized that the European Commission was hoping for a voluntary agreement with the car industry. Legislative means - as proposed in the CARS 21 report - would be adopted only if there are no other means available.
The discussion showed that the majority of stakeholders - including ETSC - strongly support further promotion of seat belt reminders across Europe. In the meantime, a voluntary commitment by the car industry under the European Road Safety Charter has been concluded. The European car industry, as represented by ACEA, pledges in this commitment to "continue progressively equipping cars and heavy trucks with seatbelt warning systems until 2010".
ETSC warmly thanks all sponsors who, through their support, contribute to help ETSC fulfilling its objectives.
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