It used to be common advice that, if you wanted to stay safe in the car, it was best to ride in the back seat. This is part of the reason that children often ride in the back. It is considered to be a safer location. Much of this just has to do with the distance between the back seat and the front end of the car, as this buffer zone keeps people safer in a head-on collision.
However, recent reports indicate that this is no longer true. The back seat is not the safest place to be any longer – although it is still the place where many children have to ride since there are height and weight requirements for those riding in the front. But what is it that caused this change? Why would the back seat become less safe than it used to be?
The front seat got safer
What actually happened is that auto manufacturers have put more time, energy and research into developing safety technologies for the front. Over the last few decades, the front seat has gotten exceptionally safer thanks to modern seat belts, airbags, crumple zones and many other safety devices.
Part of the reason for the shift in focus is that many people drive alone. Most people commute to work alone every day, even if they are in a five-passenger sedan or an eight-passenger SUV. So it was clear that safety developments in the front would do the most to save lives and reduce the severity of injuries on the road.
Of course, you can be injured no matter where you’re sitting in a vehicle if someone else causes a serious wreck. Make sure you know how to seek financial compensation for your medical bills and other costs.