Yes, and I remember having discussions on whether airbags caused more injuries than they prevented! But the fact of the matter is the issue is largely settled in the public eye. How did we get here? The answer is simple. The approach was a dispassionate search for the best solution.

There were no "scientists" claiming hyperbolic doomsday scenarios if we didn't pass specific legislation by a certain date. The collapse of our transportation infrastructure due to Kessler Syndrome -- but for highways. This should cause any rational person to be skeptical.

There were no fund raising rallies held by highly influential "scientists" who refused to wear seat belts themselves. This too, should cause any rational person to be skeptical.

People did not start with a chosen solution, and selected evidence to back it. They started with evidence, and searched for the best solution.

In effect? Seatbelts and airbags weren't a cargo cult driven by celebrity "scientists" that relied on emotional appeal. If you want your politicians to "listen" to "science", then you must divest the emotions, the desire for power, and the appeal to authority from it.

I assume it was a combination of incremental laws and public safety campaigns. It's also true that, in the US and I assume many other countries, there's been a general and incremental shift towards safer behaviors and products of which airbags and seatbelts are just two examples. Increasing automobile safety even at increased cost, etc. wasn't exactly swimming against the tide.