Automatic Safety Belt Systems Owner Usage and Attitudes In GM Chevettes and VW Rabbits (1980 Models) [February 1981]

Phillips, Benjamin M.; Goodman, David M. · 1981 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This 1981 study, conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), evaluates the effectiveness of automatic safety belt systems in increasing usage rates and assesses owner attitudes toward these systems. The research was motivated by the impending widespread adoption of automatic restraints and the need to identify potential resistance or critical problems before they became standard equipment. The study focused on owners of 1980 model year General Motors Chevettes and Volkswagen Rabbits, comparing those with automatic restraint systems against those with manual belts. The methodology involved 2,445 telephone interviews with owners and drivers. The sample included 1,002 owners of Chevettes with automatic belts, 1,013 owners of Rabbits with automatic belts, 208 owners of Chevettes with manual belts, and 222 owners of Rabbits with manual belts. Samples were geographically matched by zip code to ensure comparability. The data collection occurred between May and December 1980. The findings indicate that automatic restraint systems are highly effective as use-inducing devices. Reported safety belt usage for the last trip driven was significantly higher for automatic systems: 89% for Rabbits and 70% for Chevettes, compared to 48% and 31%, respectively, for manual systems. This disparity persisted when owners reported usage in a second, previously owned car with manual belts (33% for Rabbit owners and 26% for Chevette owners). However, comfort and convenience issues negatively impacted usage, particularly among Chevette owners. Problems related to ingress/egress and the positioning of the chest/shoulder belt were strongly correlated with non-use. Consequently, 22% of Chevette owners reported having the automatic belt removed or disabled, compared to only 5% of Rabbit owners. Regarding purchase behavior, the restraint system played a minor role in buying decisions. Only 5% of Chevette owners and 12% of Rabbit owners specifically requested the automatic system, and many were unaware their vehicle had one at the time of purchase. Dealer salespersons largely maintained neutral attitudes, with few actively supporting the system. Attitudes toward the system diverged by model: Rabbit owners were predominantly favorable (61% initially favorable, 74% preferring automatic belts in future purchases), while Chevette owners were split, with 49% preferring manual belts in future purchases due to comfort complaints. The study concludes that while automatic belts significantly increase usage, design improvements regarding fit and ingress/egress are necessary, and dealer education is required to foster active support for the technology.

Key finding

Reported safety belt usage for models with automatic systems was about twice the reported use for models with manual belts.

Methodology

survey

Sample size: 2445

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• seat belt use

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence