Seat Belt Use Plummets: 7 in 10 Injured Passengers Unbuckled

Seat belt compliance among car occupants has worsened significantly, with data from AIIMS Trauma Centre revealing that 69% of injured passengers in 2025-26 were not wearing seat belts. This represents a sharp increase from 46% in the prior year.

Drivers also showed a concerning trend, with those not using seat belts more than doubling from 19% to 40% during the same period. Trauma centre chief Dr. Kamran Farooque emphasized that seat belts are the most effective safety device, drastically reducing severe injuries and fatalities.

The AIIMS Trauma Centre recorded 19,472 road accident cases in 2025-26, with two-wheeler riders forming the largest group at 77%. Car occupants constituted 6% of these cases.

Young adults, particularly those aged 21-30 (35%) and 31-40 (23%), are the most affected demographic, with nearly six in 10 victims under 40. Injury severity is also increasing, with one in five victims requiring hospital admission, and a significant number needing intensive care or surgery.

Orthopaedic, spinal, and neurotrauma injuries are most common. Referred patients predominantly came from Delhi (35%), Uttar Pradesh (33%), and Haryana (27%), underscoring a widespread regional issue.