Where is the Safest Seat in the Car?

Blackwood car accident lawyer fights for your rights if you were injured in a car accident.Car accidents are a common occurrence. Although seat belts play a huge role in keeping you safe, where you choose to sit in a vehicle may also affect your safety. In general, the backseat of your vehicle is 59 to 86 percent safer than the front seats. However, what many drivers may not know is that the rear middle seat, although uncomfortable, is the safest seat in your vehicle. Studies show that individuals sitting in the middle seat are 25 percent safer than the people sitting on either side of them. The reason being that passengers in the middle seat have more elbow room in case there is impact on either side of the vehicle. Those in middle seats who also wear seat belts are 2.4 to 3.2 times more likely to survive a car accident. However, middle seats that are not equipped with seat belts should be avoided.

Seat Belt Technology

With the advancement in seat belt technology, the backseat may not be the safest seat in certain vehicles. Some newer vehicles are equipped with sophisticated seat belts that tighten up when they detect a car accident is about to happen and loosen up when it detects that a passenger is pressed up against it too hard. Normally, these types of seat belts are found only in front seats, making them safer than the rear seats. If this is the case, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends older adults sit in the front with these technologically advanced seat belts.

The NHTSA also recommends that children under the age of 13 sit in the middle seat as long as the middle seat contains a full seat belt instead of just a lap belt. It is also recommended that car seats go in the rear middle seat. The following tips can also help you stay safe behind the wheel:

  • Always wear your seat belt
  • Obey all traffic signs and speed limits
  • Do not drive under the influence of alcohol
  • Avoid driving when you are tired
  • Always use your turn signals
  • Be sure to adjust your mirrors when you get in your car
  • Limit distractions, such as using a cellphone, listening to loud music, talking and laughing with other passengers, and eating

Contact a Blackwood Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Mark S. Nathan If You were Injured in a Car Accident

If you were injured in a car accident, contact a Blackwood car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Mark S. Nathan who will fight for your rights. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 856-232-5559. Located in Blackwood, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout South Jersey, including Clementon, Deptford, Glassboro, Lindenwold, Pine Hill, Pitman, Turnersville, Williamstown, Camden County, and Gloucester County.