What happens when you don’t buckle up in the back seat?
Posted By Darrigo & Diaz
For years, there has been this myth that riding in the back seat is less dangerous than the front. However, the truth is that passengers may be eight times as likely to die in a crash if they’re not wearing their seatbelt in the back seat.
In 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, reported that of the 22,441 total highway fatalities, 4.3% —or 966 deaths — involved people who were not buckled up in the back seat. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that unbuckled rear-seat passengers are eight times as likely as buckled rear-seat passengers to be injured or killed in a crash.
Why is the back seat dangerous?
When a car is involved in a high-impact collision, all passengers—regardless of position in the car—will experience some form of movement. If a back seat passenger is wearing a seat belt, he or she will stay relatively contained to the back seat. If a back seat passenger is not wearing a seat belt, he or she can potentially slam into the driver’s seat, pushing the driver into the airbag and steering wheel.
The front seat has become safer
Over the years, the front seat of cars has become increasingly safer. Thicker doors, side airbags, and improved seat belt technology provide greater protection for front seat passengers and often come as standard features for new cars. The same level of protection for back seat passengers often comes as an additional charge. Most people opt out of back seat upgrades.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries as a result of a car accident, we are ready to put our resources, experience, and unrivaled accident expertise to work for you and your family. We understand the seriousness of accidents, especially if the seat belt is not worn. We strive to build the best possible case to obtain the compensation you need and deserve, and we ensure you and your family’s future is better and more secure.
Darrigo & Diaz has been serving auto accident and premises liability clients throughout the Tampa Bay area since 1999. Led by Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney, Nadine Diaz, our car accident law firm is recognized as a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. We are here to help you and your family. Contact us by phone at 813-877-5548
