Economic impact of motor vehicle restraints in Kentucky: a trauma center's experience.

Motor vehicle seat belts save lives and decrease the cost of care. Victims involved in motor vehicular accidents requiring ED evaluation and in-patient care were evaluated for seat belt usage. In addition to outcome parameters, the economic impact was assessed. During the five month study period, 38 (14%) restrained drivers and 238 (86%) unrestrained drivers were entered. Unrestrained drivers were more likely to be killed or disabled. The average cost of medical care for unrestrained drivers ($18,165) was significantly higher than that for restrained drivers ($7,634) (p less than .02). Twenty-eight percent of the unrestrained drivers' bills were paid with public funds. Assuming mandatory seat belt legislation would alter usage patterns as demonstrated in other states, the Commonwealth of Kentucky could save not only lives but millions of tax dollars.