Where is the Safest Place to Sit in a Car?

There are common factors that affect each car seat’s safety. With over 34,000 fatalities per year on U.S. roads, being prepared is a critical part of any driver’s regimen. Seat belt use remains one of the most key parts of car passenger safety. Better safety features in newer model vehicles, such as airbags and early warning crash technology, can also reduce injuries in car accidents. However, where a passenger is seated can also contribute to the type of injuries sustained.

Studies Show Common Themes

Motor vehicle accidents can occur at any time and place. Drivers can take safety steps, such as avoiding distracted and drunk driving, wearing seat belts, and staying within the posted speed limits. Yet, accidents can and do occur regardless of driver preparedness and can often be caused by someone else. For younger passengers, the backseat is the safest place to be in a car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends children under the age of 13 sit in the rear middle seat to reduce the risk of serious injury or fatality in an accident. Studies also find that the rear middle seat is the safest spot in a car for children in car seats.

Yet, for adult passengers, the backseat may not be the safest place, according to research. For adults aged 55 and older, even with a seat belt, the risk of a fatal injury in the backseat is higher than in the front seat. A recent study found that chest injuries represent a significant risk for adults in the backseat. With the usage of newer technology and airbags, the front seat may become safer in many vehicles and thus reduces the rate for serious injury. Seat belt usage by older adults in the backseat also heavily declines versus sitting in the front seat.

The risk for serious injury increases eight times when a passenger is not wearing a seat belt. Because car accidents have devastating and lifelong complications, anyone involved in an accident deserves skilled representation from an experienced Baltimore car accident lawyer.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Car Accident Victims

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, contact the skilled Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton today. We will hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries and obtain the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, please contact us online or call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529).

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.