The 1970s saw the gradual introduction of mandatory personal protective equipment for all road users. Seat belt use was gradually made compulsory for all users (drivers and passengers, light vehicles, public transport or heavy goods vehicles) from the 1970s onwards, while helmets for two-wheeled motor vehicles became compulsory in all circumstances in 1980. In addition, users of two-wheeled motor vehicles have been required to wear approved gloves since 2016.
Observations of light vehicles during the day show that non-use of seat belts in the front seats is marginal: 1.3% outside built-up areas and 2.2% in large built-up areas. However, in 2024, among those who died in light vehicles, light commercial vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, coaches or microcars, for whom information on seat belt use is known, 22% were not wearing their seat belts, i.e. 328 people. Between 2022 and 2024, this rate is 22% for passenger car users, 32% for light commercial vehicles and 30% for heavy goods vehicles. The failure to wear a seat belt, among cases where this information is available, is particularly high among drunk drivers, among users killed at night, among young people aged 25 to 34, and among men, who are at greater risk than women at all ages.
In terms of not wearing a helmet for two-wheeled motor vehicles, 5% of moped victims were not wearing a helmet in 2024. This proportion is 3% for motorcyclists. During the period 2022-2024, the victims reported as not wearing a helmet on a moped were primarily in Île-de-France (28%), Pays de la Loire (12%) and Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur (PACA) (11%). For motorcyclists, they were mainly in Île-de-France (42%) and PACA (13%). The rate of glove wearing was also lower among moped victims than among motorcyclist victims: 68% compared to 81%. Finally, in addition to the mandatory equipment, it is strongly recommended that users of two-wheeled motor vehicles wear CE-certified equipment: jackets, trousers and boots. Motorcycle airbags, whether wired or electronic, provide protection equivalent to that of a helmet for all vital parts of the torso, chest and abdomen. Of the 50,131 victims of two-wheeled vehicle accidents between 2022 and 2024, only 261 were reported to have been wearing an airbag vest, or 2%. This rate is 2.7% for motorcyclists.
For bicycle and e-scooter users, there is no obligation to wear PPE for individuals aged 12 and over. However, several studies show a reduction in the risk of skull fractures when wearing a helmet, as well as a reduction in mortality in countries that regulate helmet use for certain users and certain uses. Helmet use is increasing in large urban areas, but between 2022 and 2024, helmets were worn by 49% of cycling victims and 22% of e-scooter victims. Helmet use is relatively similar among female and male victims but varies according to age, being systematically higher among older age groups. Finally, wearing retro-reflective clothing or equipment is mandatory at night, or during the day when visibility is poor, including in urban areas. However, between 2022 and 2024, when the information is reported, 90 of the 104 cyclists and 58 of the 59 e-scooter users killed at night were not wearing reflective vests.
