Is it More Dangerous to Sit in the Backseat of a Car?
Car accident injuries depend on various factors, including the speed of the vehicle and the angle of impact. A car that plunges off an embankment will cause more serious injuries than an accident which simply pushes the car forward a couple of yards. Likewise, a car struck at 100 miles per hour will cause more damage and greater injuries than a low speed fender bender.
One question is whether people who sit in the back suffer more injuries than those who are riding up front. We actually have studies which have measured this, and the results might surprise you.
The Backseat is Generally Safer
According to one study, sitting in the back of the car was associated with a 39% reduction in risk of death and a 33% reduction in risk of serious injury. Those are substantial differences. Other studies have shown that sitting in the middle of the rear is also safer than sitting on either side.
There are some commonsense reasons why injuries are usually less serious when a person is sitting in the back of a car:
- Distance from impact. In a head-on collision, the driver and person riding shotgun will be closer to the impact zone, so they will absorb most of the force. Those in the backseat will absorb less force because of the distance. Of course, the opposite is true in a rear-end collision, when passengers in the back are closer to the point of impact. But the trunk will lessen some of the force generated.
- Risk of airbag injuries. Airbags can injure motorists when they expel pieces of metal or plastic, or else hot gases can burn a passenger’s skin. Fewer cars have airbags at the back of the vehicle, so the risk of this injury is lessened by sitting in the rear.
- Head rests. The headrest forms a natural barrier for those in the backseat. A person will slam their face into the seatback, which is preferable to possibly being thrown out of the front windshield if a motorist is unbuckled.
To reap the greatest safety benefits, motorists should wear a seatbelt. Young children should also be in appropriate car seats or booster seats which are the right size for their age. Failure to wear a proper restraint system can undo some of the safety benefits of sitting in the back.
Were You Hurt in an Accident? Call Us
Pita Weber Del Prado can swing into action to help anyone hurt in a car crash. We believe that motorists deserve fair compensation, especially when they suffer significant injuries. Our clients often call from the hospital where they are recovering from surgery or have had a bone set. They need legal assistance to negotiate a settlement.
Although Florida motorists should have no-fault PIP benefits, a lawsuit is possible when you suffer significant pain and bodily limitations. Call us to learn more. You can schedule a consultation with a Miami car accident lawyer at our office.
Source:
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14642880/
