Seatbelt use on avenue Blanco Galindo, Cochabamba: observational study

Abstract

Introduction: Seatbelt use is vital for reducing injuries in traffic accidents. Despite its effectiveness, compliance is low in many regions, especially in developing countries. In Cochabamba, Bolivia, Avenida Blanco Galindo is a critical point for analyzing these behaviors due to its high traffic of private and public transportation. This study observes and analyzes seatbelt use on this road during the first quarter of 2024. Methodology: This observational study was conducted on Avenida Blanco Galindo, with a sample of 1,000 vehicles (500 private and 500 public). Observations were made from a strategic overpass, systematically recording the type of vehicle and seatbelt use. The data was quantitatively analyzed to identify usage patterns. Results: Low seatbelt use was observed, with only 11.2% of drivers using it. Of those, 90.2% were in private vehicles and 9.8% on public transportation. Discussion: Low seatbelt use among public transportation drivers may be due to erroneous perceptions of safety and work-related pressures. These results are consistent with similar studies but show a lower usage rate in Cochabamba compared to other regions. Strengthening awareness campaigns and conducting additional studies are recommended to improve road safety in the region.