Why Rear Seat Belts Will Save Your Life

We all buckle up the moment we get into the front seat of a car because we have been conditioned to do so. But, when was the last time you buckled up when you got into the back seat of a vehicle?

Wearing seat belts in the front seat is normalised now, especially thanks to strict fines imposed by authorities. But, we often see passengers in the rear seat without a seat belt. It is better to say that we rarely see rear seat passengers who are buckled up.

Approximately, only seven per cent of people in India use rear seat belts, states a survey done in 2019 by Nissan and the SaveLIFE foundation.

We are saddened by the demise of Cyrus Mistry, the former Tata Sons chairman. Although Cyrus was travelling in a high-end luxury car, the fact that the rear seat belts weren’t put to use is the projected reason for the unfortunate turn of events as per the initial investigation.

Misconception that you’re safe in the rear

There’s a general misconception that rear seat passengers are safe during a crash, especially if the mishap involves a frontal impact. Well, a frontal crash can be so severe that it is completely possible that an unbuckled occupant in the rear seat gets thrown out of the windshield. 

There are also chances of a rear seat passenger causing harm to those seated in front. In the event of a crash, the G-forces are so high that a passenger in the rear gets tossed around, even pushing the front seats and affecting the safety of those seated up front. 

Various studies claim that an unbelted rear passenger can increase the risk of occupants in the front by almost five times! Who knew travelling with a rear seat passenger who refuses to buckle up is like being a chauffeur to a Shinigami.

The video above is from IIHS (Insurance Institute For Highway Safety, USA) depicting the importance of wearing seat belts while seated in the rear seat of a car. In a simulated 56kmph crash, the unbelted test dummy slams onto the driver seat and pushes the driver into the steering wheel. IIHS also claims that drivers are twice as likely to be killed by an unrestrained occupant sitting in the rear in the event of a crash.

Seat belts > Airbags

Airbags are an integral part of car safety. But, airbags act as intended only if you are seated and buckled up. No number of airbags will offer protection if you are being tossed around like a ragdoll. Think of airbags as an extra cushion which protects you from any impact. All the primary work is done by the seat belt. 

Airbags are nothing but additional safety equipment which increase your chances of survival. But, it is the seat belt which does most of the work and makes sure you are secure and ready to face the impact. Helping the seat belt do this part is the pre-tensioner which tightens the seat belt when it detects any severe and sudden motion, thereby increasing occupant protection.

Also read: 

• Transport Minister Says Airbag Costs Rs 800, Six-Airbag Rule Coming Soon

• Car Safety In India: Nitin Gadkari Slams Carmakers For Poor Safety Standards

Next time you ignore the rear seat belt or think it is safe in the rear without one, do remember that the use of a rear seat belt may increase your chances of survival by 25 per cent and makes you less likely to get injured by 75 per cent, according to WHO.