Determinants of seat belt use among drivers: a BRFSS study from a middle-income country (Vojvodina, Serbia)

Engineering notes

Inconsistent use was significantly associated with male gender (AOR 0.54; 95% CI 0.47–0.63; p < 0.001), urban residence (AOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.16–1.55; p < 0.001), lower education (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.21–0.91; p < 0.027), self-employment (AOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.34–2.14, p < 0.001) or unemployment (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.11–2.13; p = 0.009), and certain districts, like Srem district (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.45–2.61; p < 0.001).

Chinese explanation / 中文解读

中文解读待补充：本站会优先为端到端自动驾驶、BEV感知、3D目标检测、轨迹预测、路径规划、LiDAR感知等高价值论文补充中文说明。

Original abstract

Introduction Wearing a seat belt is a crucial safety measure to prevent road traffic injuries, but adherence varies among different groups. Local data on driver behavior in Serbia, especially in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (APV), is limited. Objective The aim of our study was to examine the prevalence of seat belt use and the sociodemographic factors influencing seat belt use among drivers in APV. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2023–2024 among 6,726 healthcare users aged ≥18 years. Participants were recruited from 44 primary healthcare centers across 45 municipalities using stratified sampling by age, sex, and settlement type. The questionnaire was adapted from the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and data were collected via Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI), using selected modules on demographics and seat belt use. The outcome was self-reported seat belt use (consistent/inconsistent). Independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics and BMI. Binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors of inconsistent seat belt use. Results Overall, 83.1% of drivers reported always wearing a seat belt. Inconsistent use was significantly associated with male gender (AOR 0.54; 95% CI 0.47–0.63; p < 0.001), urban residence (AOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.16–1.55; p < 0.001), lower education (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.21–0.91; p < 0.027), self-employment (AOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.34–2.14, p < 0.001) or unemployment (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.11–2.13; p = 0.009), and certain districts, like Srem district (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.45–2.61; p < 0.001). Age, marital status, BMI, and self-assessed financial status were less consistent predictors. Conclusion Seat belt use among APV drivers is high but varies by sociodemographic factors and region. Implementing targeted public health measures and local enforcement strategies is essential to improve compliance, especially among men, younger drivers, and high-risk occupational groups.

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