What Is The Safest Seat In A Car?

Defensive driving only goes so far, and sometimes a traffic accident is unavoidable. However, there are steps a driver or passenger can take to make sure they are as safe as possible, no matter how others on the road are driving. The most basic step a driver can take is wearing their seat belt. Other steps aren’t prescribed by law, such as choosing the safest seat in a vehicle. Obviously, the person driving the vehicle only has one choice in seating. But as a passenger, some seats in the vehicle have been shown to be safer than others.

Middle Rear Seat

Believe it or not, statistics show that the middle rear seat is the safest in a vehicle. However, this is only true if the passenger in the middle rear seat wears a shoulder and lap seat belt during a collision. Many people may be surprised by this as it is often the last choice in a full vehicle. It can often be uncomfortable, especially for larger and taller passengers. But if safety is a passenger’s main concern, they should consider sitting in the middle rear seat- securely buckled- whenever possible.

Seating Position And Posture

Regardless of a vehicle passenger’s seat choice, some positions and postures are safer in a car crash than others. While it can be comfortable on a long drive to bend your knees, sit cross-legged, rest your feet on the seat, etc., this also increases the likelihood of serious leg injuries in a traffic accident. Sitting up straight with the feet on the floor is how vehicles were designed to be ridden in, so that’s how they’re designed to crash. The “10 and 2 rule” for drivers is also designed to increase accident safety. For example, if the driver kept their hands at 11 and 1, the driver won’t have time to change that positioning in an accident and could injure their face with their hands.

What To Do After An Accident

If the drivers and passengers of a vehicle have taken the proper safety precautions while driving, there’s a better chance that they will be conscious and able to take steps on their own behalf after a collision. If the vehicle runs, it should be moved off the road to a safe location to prevent another collision. Both vehicles should use their hazards, especially if one or both cannot move from the roadway.

It’s crucial for accident victims to exchange insurance information with the other driver after an accident. Failure to do so could result in criminal charges. The accident victim should also be sure to take plenty of pictures of the vehicle damage and any physical injuries. If there are witnesses, their testimony could later prove useful in a personal injury claim. If they are willing, an accident victim should collect their contact information and later provide it to their personal injury attorney.

The other party’s insurance company will want to speak to an accident victim and settle the potential claim before the victim can speak to anyone else. This is a key part of their strategy because an injury attorney can inform an accident victim of their rights of which they might not otherwise be aware. The adjuster assigned to the claim will do everything within their power to reduce the settlement payout, even if that means using the accident victim’s own words against them. The good news is that retaining an injury attorney means that all contact with the opposing party must be directed to the attorney.

Have you been injured in a car accident? The car accident lawyers at Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates can explain your legal options. To schedule your initial case consultation, call 888-848-5084 or visit our website today.