Why seat belt for the rear seat is equally important 8^th October 2021

A seat belt is one of the necessary safety items that come with the car. But we often avoid wearing a seatbelt on the rear seat. It is important to understand that as per the Section 138 (3) of the Central Motor Vehicles, seat belts are compulsory for the rear seat passengers as well. However, most rear seat occupants give it a miss because of the lack of awareness and relaxed law enforcement.

The automotive industry experts researched that passengers tend to suffer collisions when a car meets an accident. A seat belt protects the passengers from undesirable forward motion during sudden brakes or crashes. Hence, it prevents critical harm to the life of passengers on the rear seat.

Remember, the rear seatbelts are not decorative accessories; they are installed for a reason. And, in case you are not wearing a seatbelt, your motor insurance company can also object to your claim for damages to your car.

Let's understand the reasons why a seat belt is equally important for the rear seat.

1. Avoid severe injuries:
We might think that sitting on the rear seat is safe, but that's not true. During accidents, the rear seat passenger might get badly injured. Injuries on prime parts of the body like the spine, head, abdominal can be life-threatening. To save yourself from this, make sure that you wear the seat belt correctly. Unfortunately, some cars have installed only lap seat belts, which are not entirely secure. Three-point seat belts are a better option, which have shoulder and lap belts to support the passengers' chest, shoulder, and pelvis.

2. Reason to be penalized:
In 1988, the government enforced an act to consolidate and amend motor vehicles, known as the MV act. According to this safety rule, if passengers are caught with unbuckled seat belts, they are liable to pay a fine for traffic safety violations.

3. A threat to the passengers in front seats:
Studies show that, in many cases, unbuckled rear passengers tend to collide with the front seat and push the front seater into the steering wheel or dashboard. It might damage airbags, and even passengers may strike with or fly out of the windscreen too. So, not wearing seat belts at the rear seats can be life-threatening for those sitting in the front.

Seat belts reduce the secondary danger impacts. It works as resistance for the passengers by holding them in position, such that airbags can work efficiently

Every individual should hold themselves accountable for spreading awareness about the necessity of wearing seat belts during car journeys. Especially when you are travelling with kids, you need to be extra cautious. Check if your children are correctly seated and have their seat belts fastened.

On a conclusive note, never undervalue the use of seat belts. From driving to a grocery store in your neighbourhood to long-distance drives, you must fasten the seat belt at all times. Driving is meant to provide you convenience and comfort, so make a habit of following safe practices such as wearing a seatbelt. Follow the traffic rules, buckle your seat belt, and keep your life, car, money and motor insurance company record safe.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.