Benefits of Retrofitting Seat Belt Reminder Systems to Australian Passenger Vehicles

The aim of this study was to determine the potential benefits of retrofitting a seat belt reminder device to passenger vehicles in the Australian fleet. The analysis was restricted to vehicles up to ten years of age at the time of retrofitting which were assumed to have at least a driver airbag fitted. While seat belt wearing rates have been observed at around 95% in the front seat, non–wearing rates in casualty crashes are as high as 33% among persons killed and 19% among seriously injured occupants. Benefits were computed for three introduction scenarios (driver–only, front seat occupants and all occupants), four levels of effectiveness from 10% to 40%, and a per seat unit cost from $25 – $65 in $10 increments. Unit benefits were computed for 4%, 5% and 7% discount rates, and for an average device life of ten years. Using the preferred 5% discount rate, the BCRs were seen to range from 3.6:1 to 0.1:1 depending on the seating positions included, the effectiveness and cost of the device. The findings suggest that retrofitting seat belt reminder systems would be worthwhile for drivers’ seat–only implementation so long as the device would cost no more than $35, and would guarantee a minimum 20% improvement in belt–wearing. At 30% and 40% device effectiveness, more expensive devices could be fitted to the driver–only position while maintaining cost–beneficial outcomes. Fitment for both front occupants would be cost– beneficial for devices that would guarantee a minimum 20% improvement in belt wearing and cost no more than $25 per unit, or a 30% improvement in belt wearing and costing less than $45 per unit. In the absence of mass–produced seat belt reminder systems, it was suggested that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that retrofitting such devices would prove cost–beneficial to Australian society in the long term if one were developed.