Use of seat-belts in Port Moresby

The number of deaths and serious injuries especially in young people from road traffic accidents is reaching epidemic proportions world-wide, and is especially high in developing countries, with Papua New Guinea (PNG) near the top of the list. A proportion of these deaths and injuries could be prevented by the use of seat-belts. In a study undertaken in Port Moresby the overall belt-wearing rate of front-seat occupants of cars was 11.4%. Small children were often carried unrestrained in the front seat. The projected loss to the country in human and economic terms from these accidents in the remaining years of this century is presented. A strong plea is made to make seat-belt fitting and wearing compulsory in PNG.