Safety belts as a factor of traffic safety - case study-

The subject of this research study is an analysis of the usage of safety belts by participants in traffic in the Republic of North Macedonia. The analysis was conducted through a case study via field research in seven cities of the country, in February 2024, during two peak hours (morning and afternoon), at major urban intersections with high traffic volume. Following the field research, a statistical analysis of the obtained results was conducted, divided into three categories (cars, transit, and commercial vehicles), as well as a breakdown of traffic participants (drivers, passengers, rear-seat passengers, and children). Based on the obtained results, proposed recommendations are presented for increasing awareness of the necessity of mandatory safety belt usage as a prerequisite for enhancing personal and collective safety of participants in motor traffic.