Unbuckled in the Back: A Hidden Danger on the Road

“Traffic accidents lurk like the Grim Reaper” – a familiar saying we often hear. When traveling by truck, bus, or even car, wearing a seatbelt is always emphasized as a golden rule for self-preservation. However, there’s an alarming trend: many backseat passengers often neglect to buckle up. Are we unknowingly putting ourselves and our loved ones in harm’s way?

Consequences of not wearing a seatbelt

The Danger of Complacency in the Back Seat

Many people assume that the back seat is safer than the front and negligently forgo seatbelts. Mr. Nguyen Van A, a long-time truck driver in Hanoi, shares: “Sometimes, when carrying passengers, I remind everyone to fasten their seatbelts, but some in the back brush it off, saying it’s okay in the back.” This notion stems from a reliance on the front seats or a belief that slow speeds or short distances within safe areas negate the need.

In reality, this is a misconception laden with accident risks. Lawyer Le Thi B, a traffic law expert, states: “According to Point b, Clause 3, Article 5 of Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, failure to wear a seatbelt while in a moving vehicle incurs a fine from 300,000 to 500,000 VND.” More importantly, not wearing a seatbelt can lead to dire consequences for both the passenger and those around them.

Dire Consequences of Not Wearing a Seatbelt

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death by 45% for front-seat occupants and 75% for rear-seat occupants in accidents.

Increased Risk of Serious Injury

In a collision, whether minor or major, the body of an unbuckled rear-seat passenger will be thrown forward with tremendous force. This can lead to severe injuries to the head, neck, and chest, or even death.

Simulation of a car accident with an unbuckled rear passenger being ejected

Endangering Other Passengers

An unbuckled rear passenger can become a “human projectile,” impacting those in the front and causing them serious harm.

Exacerbating Accident Severity

Not wearing a seatbelt makes it harder for the driver to control the vehicle during sudden braking or a collision, thereby increasing the severity of the accident.

Change Your Habits Today

To ensure safety for yourself and others on the road, wearing a seatbelt is essential and mandatory. Make it a habit to buckle up everyone in the vehicle, regardless of seating position or travel distance. Furthermore, you can refer to articles on how to properly fasten a rear seatbelt and things to know when buying a new car for further knowledge.

Remember, road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s work together to build a safe, civilized, and friendly traffic environment.