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CONSUMER REPORTS: The dangers of being unbuckled in the back seat

Posted at 5:36 PM, Aug 05, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-05 17:36:45-04

Seat belts have saved 300,000 lives since they became standard equipment fifty years ago. But still 25 million people don't buckle up, especially in the back seat. And Consumer Reports says that's a danger to everyone in a car.

Most fatal car crashes occur within 25 miles of home. And being unbuckled in the back seat increases your risk of dying in a crash to three times what it is if you have your seat belt on according to the Governor's Highway Safety Association.

Unbuckled passengers in the back-seat can also pose a danger to people buckled-up in the front. They can be flung forward in a crash with such tremendous force that they injure or even kill the people in the front.

Seat belts save not only lives. It's estimated that medical costs and lost productivity due to accidents involving the failure to use seat belts have so far cost the U.S about 10 billion dollars.

Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances, cars & trucks, and electronic gear are available at Consumer Reports' website. Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org.