- by Ray Bernard
Belt up in the back!
24 March 2003: The RAC Foundation has warned that 80% of deaths of front seat occupants could be avoided if everyone belts up in the back.
Up to 40 lives could be saved each year if rear seat passengers buckled up, yet some motorists seem more concerned about not creasing their clothes than not cutting their faces.
Non-wearing of seatbelts in the rear of cars is still a problem in Ireland. "Compliance appears to be a problem among some drivers and passengers who give pathetic excuses", says Robert Taylor, Managing Director of RAC Ireland. "Compulsory wearing of front seat belts has saved countless lives. We are worried that some car occupants are still putting their lives at risk."
In the event of a crash, an unrestrained back seat passenger is hurled forwards, often inflicting severe injury on those in the front seats. Even at 30 miles per hour, an average sized adult who is propelled forwards on a sudden stop assumes the force of a small elephant.
©2003 irishcar.com