Aye, when I were a lad, front seat belts were added to all new cars in the UK in 1968 (but did not become compulsory to use until 1983 - can you believe it?). Thank Volvo for inventing then. The palaver they caused, with drivers grumbling that they made cars into deathtraps if they turned over and caught fire. However, the police pulled everyone over and fined them so the grumbles turned to mutters.
Rear seat belts were introduced 1986 but only compulsory to buckle up in 1991.
In the Land of the Free, drivers think seatbelts are for pouftas and limit their "freedom". Sounds familiar.
Perhaps a few more severe fines are needed to turn the grumbles into mutters.