Vehicle travel carries the risk of an unexpected crash. Unlike the driver, a passenger has no control over the vehicle’s movement, making proactive preparation and precise, immediate action the primary lines of defense. This guide provides actionable steps for passengers to increase their chance of survival and minimize injury severity during and immediately following a collision. Utilizing a vehicle’s built-in safety features correctly is paramount to surviving a traumatic event.
Pre-Crash Preparation and Seating Choices
The safest seat involves vehicle design, impact location, and passenger size. While the rear center seat was traditionally cited as safest due to distance from intrusion, this is not always true in modern cars. Many newer vehicles feature advanced seatbelt technologies, like pre-tensioners, primarily in outboard seats, offering superior protection in a side impact. Generally, rear seating positions remain safer than the front, especially for children, because the rear is less affected by the frontal crumple zone, which absorbs the primary impact energy.
Proper seatbelt usage must be a non-negotiable habit for every trip. The lap belt must fit low and snugly across the hips and pelvic bone, which are the strongest parts of the body, never resting on the abdomen. The shoulder belt should cross the center of the chest and collarbone, positioned away from the neck, and should never be tucked under the arm or behind the back. This correct placement ensures that crash forces are distributed across the skeletal structure, preventing soft-tissue injury.
For pregnant passengers, the lap belt must be placed as low as possible under the belly, fitting tightly across the upper thighs and pelvic bone. The shoulder belt should cross the chest between the breasts. The seat should also be adjusted to allow maximum distance between the belly and the dashboard.
Correctly positioning the headrest reduces the risk of whiplash in a rear-end collision. The top of the headrest should be adjusted to be level with the top of the passenger’s head, or at least no lower than the top of the ears. It should be positioned as close to the back of the head as possible to prevent the head from snapping backward upon impact.
Actions During the Collision
In the split seconds before impact, the primary goal is maximizing the effectiveness of restraint systems. Passengers should immediately move to an upright position with their back pressed firmly against the seatback and their feet flat on the floor. Maintaining an upright posture ensures that the airbags deploy correctly and the seatbelt engages as designed. Slouching or resting feet on the dashboard can lead to catastrophic injuries when an airbag deploys at high speeds.
Passengers should brace themselves by tensing their core muscles without locking their joints. To minimize whiplash, tuck the chin firmly toward the chest and press the back of the head against the properly adjusted headrest. This action limits the hyperextension of the neck during the rapid deceleration of the crash.
Arms and hands should be kept close to the body or used to brace against the back of the seat or solid door frame, not against the dashboard. Bracing against the dashboard is hazardous due to the deployment path of the front passenger airbag, which could propel hands back into the face. Try to maintain a degree of relative relaxation to prevent muscle tears and soft tissue injuries that occur when muscles are maximally contracted during impact.
Immediate Steps After the Vehicle Stops
Once the vehicle stops, the immediate priority is to remain calm and assess the situation before moving. Adrenaline can mask pain, so a self-assessment for injuries, particularly to the head, neck, and spine, is necessary. If sharp pain is felt in the neck or back, the passenger must not move and should instruct others not to move them, as this could worsen a spinal injury.
After confirming it is safe to move, the passenger must quickly determine if it is safe to exit the vehicle. If the car is in a precarious position, such as in active traffic, or if there is an immediate danger like fire, smoke, or a gas leak, the passenger should exit immediately and move safely away from the vehicle and the roadway. If the doors are jammed or the seatbelt is stuck, emergency tools like a seatbelt cutter and window breaker can be used for a rapid escape.
If the scene is safe, call 911 or emergency services immediately to report the crash and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. While waiting for help, the passenger can assist by gathering crucial documentation, provided they are physically able. This documentation includes:
- Taking photographs of the vehicle damage.
- Recording the license plates of all vehicles involved.
- Documenting the general scene, including road conditions and traffic signs.
- Collecting contact information from any witnesses.