Why It’s A Good Idea To Wear Seat Belts In The Back Seat Even When There Are No Passengers Present

The Spanish General Directorate of Transport (DGT) emphasizes the importance of wearing seat belts while driving for safety, especially in the event of accidents. The DGT requires seat belt usage for all passengers, including fastening rear seat belts even if they are unoccupied. This practice helps prevent accidents and minimize severe injuries during collisions, particularly when heavy items are in the trunk, such as suitcases during vacations.
In collisions, not wearing a seat belt can lead to the “elephant effect,” where the impact on unbelted passengers in the back seats can be substantial. It is recommended to secure rear seat belts even if the seats are empty, as objects in the trunk could hit the back of the rear seats with greater force during sudden stops or impacts. Fastening the rear seat belts helps keep the rear seats secure, especially when transporting heavy loads in the trunk. Therefore, it is crucial to buckle up in the back seat when carrying a heavy load in the trunk and ensure that all passengers use their seat belts.