Crash-Dummies to Finally Visit the Rear Seat

MANILA: Crash testing is not a new concept for the auto industry, every year thousands of cars are roped in for the toughest of exam of their life. Results of which have an impact on their future performance and social preference. And now this exam is going to get tough and more difficult to crack, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is soon planning to add one more criteria to the already lengthy car crash safety regime.

By the year 2019, NHTSA will be placing crash-test dummies at the rear seat as well, in addition to the already present yellow human-like figures at the front end. Believe us, even we were a bit shocked to hear about the lack of safety measures employed by the car companies at the rear seats and how for such a long time this significant matter went unnoticed. So, ever if you possess a 5-star safety rated car, it doesn't mean that it is safe for your entire family, as the 5-star rating issued till date only covered protection coverage of front passenger and driver.

Though late but a good change is about to embark in the auto industry, wherein a 5-star rating will only be issued to a car if it is safe for all the occupants and not just for a select few. This step by NHTSA was the need of the hour, as in the past few years we have come across a number of reports suggesting that rear passengers are mainly killed in the event of rear-end collision. The ‘super protective nature’ of the front seats act as an immovable obstacle for rear occupants, causing serious injuries/casualties. Also, some front seats are designed to collapse in an event of rear-collision, in the wake of providing front passengers maximum protection and absorbing the entire force of the collision, wherein they pose danger to the life of back-seated occupants.

What all steps can be taken to enhance the safety of rear-seated passengers?

1. First and foremost is the inclusion of rear seatbelts with pretensioners that would tighten in the event of a collision, thus protecting the occupants from any head injury.

2. Second, can be inclusion of front airbags for the rear passengers.

3. Thirdly, NHTSA should issue a mandate to automakers around the world to maintain a balance between super strong front seat and rear passenger safety.

If by any chance you are wondering about the source that ignited this safety movement, then you would be shocked to know that it is all because of the massive increase in the usage of taxi company like Uber and Lyft and the increasing trend of ride-sharing.

Also Read: Volvo V40 Came Up with Innovative Side Airbags for Automobile's Exterior Portion