Whether hopping into a car for a quick ride across town or settling in for a long road trip, you probably don’t give the position of your seat a second thought. However, in a crash, the location of your seat could protect you in an accident.
Certain spots are more vulnerable to impact and flying debris, while others are more shielded. So, what is the safest place to sit in a car?
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones in a car accident.
The Safest Spot in the Car
If you’re looking at the numbers, the back middle seat wins the safety prize. This is the seat right in the middle of the back row. Since it is tucked between the two outer seats, it offers the most protection in a crash.
The University of Buffalo conducted a study in 2006 and found that this seat is 16% safer than other spots in the car.
Why?
This spot is the farthest from all the impact points, especially in front and side collisions. The seat acts almost like a “buffer zone.” It will give you more distance from flying glass, crushed doors, and airbags deploying at 200 miles per hour.
What If the Middle Seat Is Not Available?
If you cannot sit in the middle seat, the next best place is usually the back seat behind the front passenger. It still offers solid protection in a crash, especially in front or side-impact collisions. While it’s not as shielded as the center seat, you still have some extra distance from the most common impact zones. Along with that, the front passenger seat adds a bit of a buffer.
What About the Front Seat?
The front passenger seat is not as safe as it might seem. You are more exposed during a crash since it is closer to the dashboard and windshield. Plus, the airbag can cause serious harm. For that reason, many experts recommend that all kids under thirteen ride in the back seat. Airbags are not designed with small bodies in mind.
If you have to sit up front, here are a few tips to stay safer:
- Always wear your seat belt
- Keep your seat upright, not reclined
- Move the seat back as far as it’ll go while still being comfortable
- Never rest your feet on the dashboard
And What About the Driver?
Obviously, the driver has to sit in the front. This seat might feel like the safest place because you’re in control, but it’s actually one of the most dangerous spots in the car. As the driver, you are seated closest to the front of the vehicle. This puts you at higher risk in a head-on collision. You’re also more exposed to side impacts, especially if the crash occurs on the driver’s side.
Even with modern safety features like airbags, crumple zones, and lane-assist technology, you are on the front line. Unlike passengers who can choose safer seats or relax in the back, the driver does not have an option.
Tips That Apply No Matter Where You Sit
No matter where you end up sitting, here are a few things that make a big difference in how safe you are:
- Always buckle up: That includes being in the front, in the back, on short trips, long trips, and even in an Uber.
- Sit properly: You want feet on the floor, back against the seat.
- Don’t skip child car seats: You always want to use the right seat for your child’s age, weight, and height, and put it in the backseat.
- Keep loose stuff secured: If items fly around during a crash, they can cause injuries. Even something as small as a phone or water bottle can become a projectile in an accident.
- Choose a car with solid safety ratings: Features like side airbags, automatic emergency braking, and rear-view cameras are all bonuses, and they will work to keep you safe, no matter where you sit.
Where is the safest place to sit in a car? The rear middle seat. However, the safest ride is one where everyone in the car is buckled up, the driver is focused, and the vehicle is well-maintained.
Car accidents can happen at any moment. Sometimes, severe injuries are an unfortunate outcome, no matter where you sit.
If you’ve been injured in a car wreck, Forbes Law Offices is here. Our attorneys are ready to help you discover your next options.
