Longest-Running Car Crash Test is Revealing Serious Safety Concerns for People Sitting in the Back Seat

Serious Safety Concerns for People Sitting in the Car Back Seat

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test has measured vehicle safety ratings since 1995 when a vehicle crashed into a barrier at 40 miles per hour.

Now, a crash test dummy about the size of a 12-year-old has been added to the back seat, and it is revealing serious safety concerns for people sitting in the rear of vehicles.

“The front seat has gotten a lot safer in recent years,” said David Harkey, President of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Front seat occupants are now benefiting from technology such as airbags and advanced seatbelt systems.”

Unfortunately, he continued, “The same level of technology often does not exist in the rear seat.”

What Does the IIHS Rear Passenger Study Reveal?

The IIHS studied real-world crashes and found that in cars built after 2007, people in the back seat were 46% more likely to be killed than people in the front.

That is why they changed how they crash test, looking specifically at the seatbelt system and how close rear passengers get to hitting the front seat.

Out of 15 small SUVs, only the Ford Escape and Volvo XC40 receive “good” overall ratings in the updated test. Comparatively, using the old test, all 15 small SUV’s got “good” overall ratings.

“As these results show, rear seat safety is lagging,” Harkey said.

Less than half of new vehicles have advanced restraint systems in the back seats. IIHS officials hope these test results are a wake-up call to automakers to make improvements.

Our Dewey, Ramsay Hunt Charlotte car accident attorneys know that no matter where passengers are seated, they have no control over the operation of the vehicle — or the negligence associated with other motorists’ driving behaviors.

When passengers are injured in vehicle collisions in North Carolina, they may be eligible to pursue their damages from multiple parties. We can help determine who was liable for your crash, and the value of your car accident and injury claim, starting with a free consultation.

Contact Our Skilled Car Accident Attorneys in Charlotte, North Carolina

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our leading auto accident lawyers in Charlotte hope you never need us. However, if you are injured in a crash caused by negligence, we are here to help assess your case during a free consultation by calling 704-377-3737 or contacting us online.

We provide unique legal services tailored to fit each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.

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