Trends in the use of seat belts and mobile phones and their seasonal variations in Florence (2005-2015).

Introduction: About 1.25 million people worldwide die every year because of road accidents. Risk is higher when drivers use mobile phones, whereas seat belts help to prevent crash-related injury.

Comparison of self-reported and observed prevalence of safety belt and helmet use in Florence.

Methods: Safety belt and helmet use was estimated from PASSI data and measured through Ulisse observations. Between 2008 and 2012 a total of 2,081 cars and motorcycle users were interviewed in the LHU of Florence and a total of 59,787 drivers (11,870 front passengers, 1,129 rear passengers and 16,816 motorcyclists) were observed. The comparison between self-reported and observed prevalences was performed by calculating the over-reporting factor (ORF), defined as the ratio of the self-reported to the observed prevalence of seat belt or helmet use.

[Mode of transport by car of 6-12-year-old children in Florence].

Objective: To estimate the use, during transport by car, of restraint/booster seats by children of 6-12 years old in Florence.

Design, Setting And Participants: To examine children's use, knowledge and behaviors regarding safety devices in cars, a questionnaire has been administered to 537 students attending 17 primary schools in Florence, during their visit to an area equipped for street education. Sociodemographic data (nationality, level of education and parents' work) have been collected as well to assess the socioeconomic membership.

[Use of seat belts and mobile phone while driving in Florence: trend from 2005 to 2009].

Objective: to evaluate the trend over time of the use of seat belts by drivers and passengers of cars and vans and the use of hand held mobile phone while driving in Florence from 2005 to 2009. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: direct observations (58,773 vehicles) have been conducted to detect the use of seat belts by occupants of cars and vans, and the use of mobile phone while driving. It has been carried out correlation analysis between the use of the seat belt by occupants of vehicles and between the simultaneous use of this device and mobile phone while driving.

[Mobile phone use while driving in Fiorentine area: results of the new survey].

Despite the growing evidence that the use of hand-held mobile phone while driving increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes and the banning by law, in many countries, of this kind of use, this behaviour is more and more spreading. Following a survey we have conducted in 2004, in 2005 we have realized in florentine area a monthly monitoring about this incorrect use of phoning while driving. Overall, 15001 vehicles were observed, and the prevalence of mobile phone use while driving was 2.