Mortality of front-seat occupants attributable to unbelted rear-seat passengers in car crashes

Lancet. 2002 Jan 5;359(9300):43-4. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(02)07279-3.

Abstract

The risk of death of unbelted rear-seat occupants is obviously increased in car crashes. However, there is little epidemiological evidence that unbelted rear-seat occupants will also increase the risk of death of front-seat passengers. We compared risk of death and severe injury of front-seat occupants in car crashes with belted or unbelted rear-seat passengers. The risk of death of belted front-seat occupants with unbelted rear-seat passengers was raised nearly five-fold. If rear seatbelts had been used, almost 80% of deaths of belted front-seat occupants could have been avoided. Rear seatbelt use should be encouraged for the safety of all car occupants.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic / mortality*
  • Accidents, Traffic / statistics & numerical data
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Seat Belts / statistics & numerical data*
  • Wounds and Injuries / etiology*