Car crash research and 'the backseat bullet'

One of the defining images in recent UK road safety campaigns is the THINK! advert in which a car crash throws the unbelted back-seat passenger into the driver, his mother, crushing her skull. Aside from its visual impact, figures released by the UK Department for Transport showed a climbing trend for awareness and use of seatbelts since 1998, when the advert was introduced.

Car crash research
A research paper published in 2005 backs up this message with scientific figures. Led by Dr. James Mayrose from the State University of New York, a team of scientists derived data from every fatal car crash in the USA, and compared the chances of death for drivers in cases where an unbelted passenger was seated behind them with those for drivers with either a belted passenger or no passenger in behind them.

These figures showed that drivers are more than twice as likely to suffer a fatal injury in a car crash with an unbelted passenger behind them. Additionally, the rear passenger was found to be almost three times as likely to be killed.

With a note of ghoulish humour unusual in scientists, the paper carried the subtitle "The Backseat Bullet".

Avoiding a car crash
Naturally, wanting to avoid personal injuries resulting from a car crash should persuade any drivers to ensure that passengers wear seatbelts, particularly those in the seat behind them.

This urge should also encourage any rear-seat passengers to wear seatbelts, particularly as it is considered an adult's own legal responsibility to ensure his or her own seatbelt is worn.

Making a car crash claim as a passenger
If you have received personal injury as a passenger in a car crash, it is very likely that the responsibility for this traffic accident lies with to someone else. In that case, you may well be entitled to make a compensation claim.

YouClaim is a firm with much expertise in making passenger car crash claims. We will explain your legal position in plain English, and help you find the right personal injury solicitor. All the solicitors we work with are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, ensuring the quality of their work on your behalf.

With YouClaim, there are no fees to pay at any point in a car crash claim. We offer a no win, no fee policy, protecting you from costs in the event of an unsuccessful case, and promise to reclaim our fee from the defendant (or through insurance companies) in successful cases. All damages awarded are passed to you, thanks to our 100% compensation guarantee.

Our team of advisors are available by phone, on 0800 10 757 95, online, through our e-chat facility, or they will call you at a time of your choice if you complete our call-back form. We are ready to assist your car crash claim.