Muscat – The use of seat belts plays a critical role in saving lives and reducing injuries in traffic accidents. Despite widespread awareness of their effectiveness, rear seat passengers often don’t buckle up, leaving themselves vulnerable in the event of an accident. To address the issue, Muscat Daily readers suggest measures to raise awareness about the importance of using rear seat belts. Here is what they said –
Suleiman al Balushi, Salesman
We need to launch educational campaigns highlighting the importance of seat belt use, particularly in rear seats. Use social media, billboards and community events to spread the message. We also need to partner with insurance companies to offer discounts for drivers who consistently ensure all passengers wear seat belts. This could motivate both drivers and passengers to buckle up.
Ali al Tooqi, Teacher
Stricter implementation of laws that mandate seat belt use for all passengers, including those in the rear seats, and introducing higher penalties for not wearing seat belts will deter non-compliance.
Issa al Nadabi, Engineer
Involve community leaders and organisations in promoting seat belt use, creating a culture where wearing seat belts is the norm. We need to also encourage passengers to remind each other to wear seat belts. Creating a social norm where friends and family hold each other accountable can be effective.
Badriya al Siyabi, Financial accountant
Sharing statistics showing the effectiveness of seat belts in preventing injuries and fatalities will help emphasise the safety benefits for rear passengers. Additionally, integrating seat belt education into driver’s education programmes and focusing on the responsibilities of drivers to ensure all passengers are buckled up will promote the use to seat belts.
Salma al Ismaili, Psychologist
Vehicles must have reminder systems that alert passengers to buckle up, especially in the rear seats. Also, ensure that rear seat belts are easy to access and use, possibly by redesigning the seat belt systems.
Muna Basheer al Zadjali, Private sector employee
Seat belts are essential safety equipment. Wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to prevent injury or death in crashes for both drivers and passengers. Nearly half of those who die in accidents are unbelted. Whether you’re in the front or back seat, always wear your seat belt on every trip, no matter how short. In addition to strict enforcement of laws, awareness programmes aimed at increasing seat belt usage can significantly reduce casualties in road accidents.
Ahmed al Saeedi, Public sector employee
Implement programmes that reward drivers for having all passengers buckled up, potentially through loyalty programmes or discounts. Authorities should also enforce existing seat belt laws more rigorously, including fines for not wearing seat belts in the back seat.
Shaur Ahmed Khan, Private sector employee
Safety awareness is crucial for encouraging the use of rear seat belts. Awareness programmes in malls, public parks and on social media can effectively reach a broad audience. Additionally, incorporating education about use of rear seat belt safety into school curricula will help instil good habits from a young age. Children can be powerful advocates for safety, influencing their families and peers. Engaging activities, like workshops or interactive demonstrations, can make the message resonate even more.
Shankar MG, Private sector employee
Rear seat passengers are at greater risk as they are not observing the road ahead like the driver or front passenger. They are more than twice likely to be severely impacted by a collision. ROP should penalise passengers not wearing a seat belt and consider penalising drivers also in case of nonadherence.
Namrata K Anand, Homemaker
“Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn.” I have myself survived a horrifying accident when our car went out of control as my colleagues and I drove out of Dubai towards Hatta border. I was tossed around like a rag doll in the rear seat without my seat belt as the car swirled at high speed. By God’s grace, we miraculously escaped, but our car took the hit. That day made me realise that seat belts should be made mandatory even for rear seat passengers as they are at a greater risk. I always insist my children buckle up hoping it becomes a habit for life.
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