Airbag and Seat Belt Safety Knowledge in Health Professionals and Laypeople    

David Roberts MD;
Karen Scheltema MA, MS;
Donna Hirschman RN, BS  

Objectives: To assess knowledge of health care professionals and laypersons about airbag and seat belt safety. Methods: Eight hundred thirty-seven health care professionals and laypersons were surveyed regarding their knowledge of automobile restraint systems. Results: Health care professionals' responses were similar to those of laypersons. Paramedics who have the most roadside experience scored highest on the survey of 12 questions. Conclusion: Many respondents incorrectly thought the front-seat was safer than the back seat and many overestimated the front-seat protection from airbags. Future education efforts should specifically target health care professionals because they have a unique opportunity to educate the public.

Am J Health Behav 1999;23(6):452-456