Empirical examination of interdependent relationship between usage of seatbelt restraint system and driver-injury severity of single-vehicle crashes in Thailand using a joint econometric analysis

Abstract

Objectives

The paper aims to examine the interdependent relationship between the usage of the seatbelt restraint system and severities of the driver-injury in single-vehicle crashes.

Methods

This paper developed a comprehensive joint econometric structure − a joint random parameters binary probit-binary probit model − that allows for the simultaneous examination of injury severity of the driver in a crash, and taking into account the fact that seat belt use can be endogenous to the outcomes of driver injury. The developed model is tested using data on drivers-injury severities involved in single-vehicle crashes in Thailand from 2012-2017.

Results

In terms of the interdependent relationship between seatbelt use status and driver-injury severities, the findings suggest that drivers who do not use seat belts may demonstrate more dangerous or aggressive driving behaviors (such as speeding), subsequently increasing their likelihood of involvement in severe or fatal crashes. Additionally, the result also shows that drivers who are involved in speeding-related crashes are less likely to wear a seatbelt and have a higher risk of sustaining severe and fatal injuries. The findings also reveal that in crashes, drivers who are young, or operating trucks are less likely to be wearing their seat belts. The study also indicates that severe and fatal crashes are associated with factors such as elderly drivers, alcohol involvement, unbelted drivers, fatigue, depressed medians, and barrier medians. Conversely, a crash in a U-turn area, driving a passenger car, pickup truck, or large truck, or colliding with a guardrail reduces the likelihood of severe and fatal injuries.

Conclusions

Neglecting the hidden endogenous effect in statistical analyses could result in an overestimation of the impact of seat belt usage on crash-injury outcomes. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights for relevant authorities aiming to improve driver safety.

Keywords:

• Seatbelt use
• driver-injury
• endogeneity
• heterogeneity
• Thailand

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the Department of Highways of Thailand for supporting the nationwide road traffic crash data.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by (i) Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), (ii) Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), and (iii) National Science, Research and Innovation Fund (NSRF) (Grant number: Full-time 61/13/2023).