Seat belt legislation and seat belt effectiveness in the Federal Republic of Germany

In 1976 belt usage was made compulsory for front seat passengers in the Federal Republic of Germany. Since 1984, noncompliance incurs a fine of DM 40. In 1984 belt usage was also made compulsory for back seat passengers (noncompliance not being fined). Following the introduction of the fines, the usage rates both for drivers and front seat passengers increased from about 60% to more than 90%. The number of car occupant fatalities has lowered considerably since the introduction of the fine (by about 25%). Approximately 15 to 20 percentage points of this change are probably due to this measure. Major injuries decreased noticeably as well, in particular injuries to the eyes. Belt usage on back seats is still unsatisfactory (20%), although here too, the effect on injuries of the belt is incontestable, taking into consideration occupant interaction.