Important: Seatbelts Are Not Just for Front Passengers

Jakarta, Kompas.com – As the Eid holiday travel period approaches, road safety has once again become a focus, including the use of seatbelts for all vehicle passengers.

Unfortunately, in Indonesia, seatbelt usage remains largely limited to drivers and front-seat passengers only.

Jusri Pulubuhu, founder of Jakarta Defensive Driving Consulting, stated that seatbelts function to keep the body in place during accidents. The device helps reduce the risk of serious injury from impact.

Jusri explained that seatbelts serve to restrain the body from being thrown about when a sudden collision occurs. Without seatbelts, passengers could be propelled in various directions and face potentially serious injuries.

According to Jusri, the low seatbelt usage rate among rear-seat passengers is partly influenced by public perception of traffic regulations. Many believe that seatbelts are mandatory only for drivers and front-seat passengers.

Additionally, there is a perception that rear-seat passengers are safer because they are protected by the front seats. However, during accidents, bodies can be thrown in various directions.

“It must be remembered that in accidents, people can be thrown upwards, sideways, and in other directions. What keeps them seated is only the seatbelt,” he said.

Therefore, seatbelt use by all passengers, both front and back rows, should become a habit. This simple step can be part of a safety campaign as people travel during the Eid holiday period.