Think Rear Seat Belts Don’t Matter? Doctor Warns It Could Lead to Life-Threatening Injuries (Image Credits: iStock)
When it comes to road safety, most people instinctively think of the front seats. The driver buckles up, the front passenger clicks their belt, and off we go—feeling secure. But what about the people in the back seat? Shockingly, that’s where many let their guard down—and it can be a deadly mistake.
“As a vascular surgeon, I see firsthand the aftermath of road traffic accidents,” says Dr Raghuram Sekhar, Consultant, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. “What’s surprising is how often these devastating injuries could have been avoided with one small action—wearing a rear seat belt.”
The Deadly Misconception
The rear seat is often perceived as a “safe zone.” Many believe that if you’re sitting in the back, you’re less likely to get hurt in an accident. Dr. Sekhar disagrees.
“It’s one of the most dangerous myths out there,” he explains. “An unbelted passenger in the back is at risk of being violently thrown forward during a crash, injuring themselves and others.” Studies have shown that unbelted rear passengers can become human projectiles, increasing the risk of fatal injuries for everyone in the vehicle.
The Hidden Dangers of Minor Accidents
People often think seat belts are only necessary for high-speed highway crashes. But Dr Sekhar has seen life-altering injuries from low-speed collisions.
“Even at slower speeds, the unrestrained body moves forward with force. We see knee hyperextensions, blunt chest injuries, and abdominal trauma that require weeks, even months, of recovery,” he says.
Vascular Injuries
One of the most serious injuries from rear seat accidents isn’t always visible on the outside—vascular trauma. Dr. Sekhar points to injuries like popliteal artery ruptures behind the knee, which can occur when the legs are violently jolted forward.
“These are serious injuries that can threaten the limb,” he warns. “In many cases, the signs are delayed. Swelling or numbness might not seem like much, but internally, blood flow could be compromised. If not treated urgently, it can lead to amputation.”
Dr Sekhar recalls treating patients who walked away from the crash scene feeling lucky, only to return days later with severe complications.
“You’d be shocked how often we have to perform emergency vascular surgeries days after what seemed like minor accidents,” he says. “It all comes down to early imaging and intervention. But better than treating it is preventing it—and that’s where seat belts come in.”
Rear Seat Belts and Airbags
Modern cars are built with advanced safety features, but they’re not foolproof, especially if seat belts aren’t used.
“Rear airbags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them,” Dr Sekhar says. “If you’re not buckled in, the airbag’s deployment may not offer the protection it’s designed to provide. In some cases, it can even cause harm.”
Why Aren’t People Buckling Up?
Despite overwhelming evidence of their effectiveness, rear seat belts remain tragically underused. Dr Sekhar believes it’s a mix of complacency and lack of awareness.
“People associate seat belts with front-seat safety, but that’s outdated thinking,” he says. “We need stronger public awareness campaigns that emphasise back-seat safety equally. We see it all the time in trauma care—the back seat isn’t a safe zone if you’re not restrained.”
He adds that social norms and peer behaviour can also influence choices. “If one person in the car doesn’t wear a seat belt, others tend to follow. But safety shouldn’t be optional. It has to be habitual.”
According to Dr Sekhar, the solution lies in education and enforcement. “When people understand the science and the consequences, they’re more likely to change their behaviour,” he explains. “We need to keep spreading the message that rear seat belts save lives—because they absolutely do.”
The Mental Health Connection
Beyond the physical injuries, road trauma can leave emotional scars. Dr Sekhar acknowledges the mental toll on both accident survivors and their families.
“We often focus on the visible wounds, but the emotional impact—anxiety, PTSD, fear of travelling again—can last just as long,” he says. “Wearing a seat belt isn’t just about surviving; it’s about minimising trauma in every sense.”
He encourages patients and their families to seek psychological support after accidents. “Mental health is as important as physical recovery. Don’t hesitate to talk to a counsellor or trauma therapist. Healing is holistic.”
Rear seat belts may not get the spotlight, but they are among the most powerful tools we have in the fight against road fatalities and life-altering injuries.
Dr Sekhar explains, “Buckling up in the back seat takes two seconds. That tiny habit could save your limbs, your life, or the life of someone you love. Never underestimate it.”
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