Backward-facing car seats trend on social media deemed dangerous

A new trend circulating on social media depicts car passengers sitting in the front seat with their bodies facing backward, away from the direction of travel. This practice, often done while creating video content, has raised significant safety concerns among experts.

Transportation observers warn that this trend is extremely dangerous and should not be emulated, especially on public roads. They emphasize that roads are shared spaces, and sudden events like accidents can pose a great risk to everyone involved.

Experts also highlight that this seating position prevents passengers from using seatbelts correctly. While seatbelts are mandatory for safety, this trend often involves passengers not wearing them as intended. This is contrasted with stricter enforcement in places like Singapore, where seatbelt use is enforced for all passengers, even in rear seats.

In the event of a crash, passengers in this backward-facing position are at high risk of severe head and chest injuries. Airbags, designed to protect occupants facing forward, would offer minimal protection, potentially hitting the passenger's back instead of their head and chest, leaving vital organs vulnerable.