Do rear seat passengers need to wear seat belts on highways?
2 Answers
Rear seat passengers on highways are required to wear seat belts. Article 51 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China stipulates that when a motor vehicle is in motion, both the driver and passengers must use seat belts as required. Seat belts must be worn regardless of whether you're in the front or rear seats. Drivers will be fined if passengers fail to wear seat belts. Nowadays, most vehicles, especially buses and sedans, are equipped with rear seat belts, so they should be worn. Below is an introduction about seat belts: 1. Function of seat belts: When a vehicle brakes suddenly during high-speed driving due to unexpected circumstances, proper use of seat belts can restrain drivers and passengers in their seats, avoiding or reducing collision injuries. This is mainly because during a collision, unbelted rear passengers may collide with front occupants - fatal consequences can occur at speeds as low as 50 km/h. If rear passengers wear seat belts, the mortality rate of front occupants can be reduced by 80%. 2. Consequences of not wearing seat belts: To encourage seat belt usage, regulations state that drivers not wearing seat belts while driving on highways or urban expressways will receive 2 penalty points per violation. The regulations also require that during travel, not only should drivers and front passengers wear seat belts, but rear passengers must also properly use them.
Wearing seat belts in the back seat is a mandatory step on highways. As an ordinary person who has long been concerned about traffic safety, I deeply understand its importance. When driving at high speeds, the vehicle can exceed 100 kilometers per hour. In the event of a crash or sudden braking, unbelted rear passengers may be thrown out or collide with the interior, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. For example, in a rear-end collision, the impact force on rear passengers can be multiplied several times. Seat belts effectively cushion this force, protecting the spine and head. I recommend developing the habit of buckling up as soon as you get in the car, regardless of the distance—it not only protects yourself but also ensures the safety of everyone in the vehicle. Statistics show that seat belts can reduce the rate of severe injuries by 80% in accidents, so I always remind my family and friends to do this before every trip. Remember, a small action can prevent a major tragedy.
