A fatal accident which happened to one of my close friends earlier this year triggered me to write this small article to NST, hoping that it would create awareness on the road safety issue, especially to those who are seated comfortably at the back seat of the vehicles. This article was published at the “Letters” section of the online nst web portal on 14 February 2006. Ironically, a few weeks later, I saw a road-safety campaign advertisement on the television on this very same issue – a child arriving at school with bruises on her face. She was previously playing at the back seat of the car while his father who was driving suddenly stepped on brake abruptly and causing her to be thrown to the front dashboard. I know that my article probably did not reach the Road Safety Department, or did it? Who says that an anonymous unknown writer like me can’t make a difference? I probably did ..even in a minimal way.

Buckle up, you in the back

Feb 14

---

I HAVE always wondered why countries such as the United States have laws requiring passengers at the back of a vehicle to wear seat belts, while in most countries, including Malaysia, only the driver and front passenger need to wear seat belts.

Will wearing a seat belt at the back seat save lives? The answer is a yes.When accidents occur, the passengers at the back are at risk of being injured or even killed due to their inability to respond in time, compared with a passenger or driver at the front.Those at the front have a better view of the road and traffic condition, and thus, are able to respond when an accident happens.

The back passengers are prone to be more relaxed. Some may be asleep and some enjoying a good chat.

They would be unable to do anything at all should an accident take place.

They face a greater risk of being thrown out of the seats or even the car.

There should be a rule to require backseat passengers to buckle-up as well? It could save more lives.