Examining the Determinants of Seatbelt Use Among Rural Drivers: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Background and aims: Wearing a seat belt significantly reduces the severity and fatality of road traffic injuries. This study aimed to predict seatbelt-wearing behavior among rural drivers using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and to identify its influencing factors. Methods: This study was conducted among 450 rural drivers in the Hashtrood district of Iran using a random sampling method in 2023. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire containing questions on demographic characteristics, general traffic-related behaviors, and seatbelt use behavior based on the TPB constructs. Regression analysis was conducted using SPSS software (version 16) to predict TPB constructs. Results: The findings indicated that 59.1 % of drivers strictly adhered to the traffic rules. However, only 21.4% of drivers used the front, and 19% used seatbelts in the rear seat on rural roads. Based on regression analysis of TPB constructs, subjective norms, attitude, and perceived behavioral control considerably predicted behavioral intention to use a seat belt (P<0.05, R2=0.422, adjusted R2=0.417). Furthermore, the constructs of behavioral intention and perceived behavioral control were found to be significant predictors of actual seatbelt use behavior (P<0.01, R2=0.283, adjusted R2=0.280). Adherence to traffic rules, parental behavior, exposure to seatbelt use training by parents and friends, and being fined for not wearing a seat belt significantly impacted the seatbelt use behavior (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that TPB predicted seatbelt use behavior among rural drivers. Educational preventive programs grounded in TPB principles could improve seatbelt use behavior among rural societies.