Why It’s A Good Idea To Wear Seat Belts In The Back Seat Even When There Are No Passengers Present

Wearing seat belts while driving is crucial for safety, especially during accidents. This important message is also reinforced by the Spanish General Directorate of Transport (DGT).

The DGT mandates seat belt use for all passengers and recommends fastening rear seat belts even if they’re unoccupied. This measure helps prevent accidents and reduce severe injuries during collisions, particularly when heavy items like suitcases are in the trunk, especially during vacations.

In the event of a collision, if the seat belt is not fastened, the so-called elephant effect would occur, which is often referred to when people in the back seats are not fastened, which means that at a speed of 60 km/h, the impact of a 75-kilogram person in the front seat can be equivalent to the force of 4.2 tons. So, this effect can occur in another form, this time with luggage transported in the trunk.

It is advisable to fasten the rear seat belts even if no one is sitting in those seats. If there are objects in the trunk, a sudden stop or impact could cause those objects to hit the back of the rear seat with increased force, potentially damaging it. By fastening the rear seat belts, you help secure the rear seats in place. Therefore, when transporting a heavy load in the trunk, remember to fasten the seat belts in the back seat as well.

When passengers sit in the back seat, insist that they use their seat belts.

• Also See: How To Make Sure Your Seat Belts Are Working Properly