Back Seat Passengers and Seat Belt Laws

Somehow, putting your seatbelt on upon getting in a car isn’t so automatic for everyone. Every state in America requires the use of seatbelts when driving, but does that also go for passengers in the back seat?

In Florida, backseat passengers under the age of 18 are required by law to wear a seatbelt. Having backseat passengers wear their seatbelts not only drastically lessens the risk of fatality or injury in a car accident, but it is in place to be mindful of other drivers on the road.

In 2017 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that seatbelts saved the lives of over 15,000 people. Not wearing a seatbelt as a driver or passenger is a primary traffic offense. If you are driving, you can get pulled over for this offense alone, and a citation can be issued as part of the violation. 

Any back seat or front-seat passenger over the age of 18 is not required by law to wear a seatbelt. Now, this does not change the laws of physics that a seatbelt would not lessen your risk of fatality or injury if you are to be involved in a crash. A back seat passenger and a front-seat passenger can be thrown to the front of the windshield if they are unrestrained when an accident occurs. Federal crash statistics show that passengers in the rear are three times more likely to die if they are not wearing a seatbelt and are involved in an accident. 

If you’re involved in an accident, after calling 911, call 411. Call Path at 1-800-411-PAIN if you are involved in a car accident and need assistance. We are open 24/7 and are committed to helping anyone who has been involved in a car accident or any other personal injury accident. Be safe, buckle up, and drive defensively.