Doha, Qatar,  November 27, 2018;   Seat belts save lives between 45% and 80% depending on the type of accident impact, the location of a person within the vehicle (front/back) and the size/weight (adult, child, baby) of the passenger. The research was commissioned by QIC Insured and RoadSafety and conducted by YouGov in September 2018 with a representative sample of 169 residents.

 

According to the survey, we see high awareness levels of the protective powers of the seat belt. 97% of participants think that seat belts protect drivers, front-row passengers and children. However, this value drops to 79% with regards to back-seat passengers. This knowledge is also reflected in the actual use of seat belts: 76% ‘always’ use them while driving, 72% as front-seat passengers, but only 5% ‘always’ use the seat belt on the back-seats! Drivers are like captains of air craft, and they must care about the safety of their passengers. Hence, they have to ask everyone in the vehicle to buckle up, but only 51% of Qatar’s drivers are such responsible drivers! When asking about the reasons for not using /not asking others to use seat belts, these are the main mentions: 

 

When I sit on the back seat, I feel safe enough without seat belt	63%
On short trips, it is not needed to wear seat belts	35%
I am a safe driver and I will not be involved in an accident; hence I don't need seat belts	12%
Seat belts crinkle my clothes	9%

With regards to usage of child car seats, 32% of Qatar’s parents state that they do not own a proper child seat! Of those who do own seats, only 84% ‘always’ use them. Asked about the reasons for non-ownership and non-use of child car seats, here are the top reasons:

 

Reasons for non-ownership:		Reasons for non-use:
My kids don't like to be strapped in child seats or booster cushions	38%	My kids don't like to be strapped in their child seats or their booster cushion	59%
Too expensive	37%	On short trips, it is not needed to wear seat belts	29%
I don't know which child seat or booster cushion to buy for my kid	23%	I am a safe driver and I will not be involved in an accident; hence I don't need seat belts	27%
Passengers holding kids is as safe as child seats or booster cushions	13%	It is not part of our culture	15%
I am a safe driver and I will not be involved in an accident; hence I don't need seat belts	13%	Child seats or booster cushions do not protect kids in the case of an accident belts	12%

 

Ahmed Jarboey, Senior Claims Manager at QIC Insured states: “Despite many technological developments, the seat belt remains the single most important device to save passengers from injuries or death in case of an accident. This is the reason why QIC Insured conducted this pioneering research here in Qatar, jointly with our strategic partner RoadSafety. We have conducted the same survey throughout the GCC to show our commitment to road safety.”

 

“Ownership levels of proper child restraint systems as well as seat belt usage levels for everyone in the car – children and adults alike - must stand at 100%! This research helps all involved stakeholders to address the root causes for non-usage and non-ownership. We are committed to contributing to safer roads with this and other research projects we have conducted and communicated”, Mr. Jarboey concludes.