Non-fatal injuries sustained by back seat passengers.

Abstract

Of 2,275 cases of non-fatal injuries sustained by all categories of road users 185 were inflicted on back seat passengers. Twenty-six such passengers sustained severe and 66 moderately severe injuries. Only two patients (aged 18 months and 3 years) wore any form of restraint. Back seat passengers may be injured by impact with the rear of the front seat or other objects in the rear compartment; by objects in the front compartment; or by being thrown out of the car completely. An adequate restraint system, such as the lap-and-diagnoal type of seat belt, would reduce the incidence and severity of injuries.