Seat belt repositioning and use of vehicle seat cushions is increased among older drivers aged 75 years and older with morbidities

Australas J Ageing. 2017 Mar;36(1):26-31. doi: 10.1111/ajag.12349. Epub 2016 Jul 30.

Abstract

Objective: Good seat belt fit and positioning is important for crash protection. Older drivers experience problems in achieving good seat belt fit and often reposition seat belts and/or use seat cushions. Comfort influences these behaviours. This work examines the impact of functional morbidities on belt positioning and accessory use and whether comfort mediates this relationship METHODS: Mediation analysis was used to examine the relationship between morbidities affecting physical function, comfort, belt repositions and seat cushion use among 380 drivers aged 75 years and older.

Results: Musculoskeletal morbidities increase the likelihood of seat belt repositioning (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.12-1.67) and comfort partially mediates this relationship (P = 0.03). Morbidities of any type also increase the likelihood of seat cushion use (OR 1.15 95% CI 1.04-1.27), but comfort plays no role in this relationship (P = 0.87).

Conclusion: Greater awareness among older drivers is needed, to ensure behavioural modifications do not impair their crash protection.

Keywords: injury control; morbidity; motor vehicle; safety; seat belt.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic / prevention & control*
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Automobile Driving*
  • Automobiles*
  • Awareness
  • Comorbidity
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / epidemiology
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / physiopathology*
  • New South Wales / epidemiology
  • Odds Ratio
  • Posture*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Seat Belts*