TV Depiction of Seatbelt and Helmet Use Does Not Correlate With Actual Use

A study done by the journal Injury Prevention, finds that the frequency of the use of safety belts and helmets shown in television programs do not match the actual use by Americans. An estimated 80% of Americans wear seatbelts, 60% wear motorcycle helmets, and 40% wear bicycle helmets, while television programs only depict their characters wearing seatbelts 62% of the time, wearing motorcycle helmets 47% of the time, and wearing bicycle helmets 9% of the time. The average American watches 4 hours of television a day. It is a fact that TV does influence viewers and can ultimately encourage the continuation of these dangerous behaviors. This is especially important in younger viewers who might be influenced by the lack of bicycle helmet use in television programs.

Surprisingly, commercials over represent the use of safety belts, motorcycle helmets, and bike helmets with 86%, 100%, and 84% respectively.

To read an article published by Forbes Magazine on the study, click here.