Consumer Agency: "Reclining Car Passenger Seat Backrest Too Much Increases Risk in Accidents"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] The Korea Consumer Agency announced on the 17th that the risk of physical injury increases when a front passenger in a passenger car reclines the seatback excessively during driving.

The Consumer Agency, in collaboration with the Insurance Development Institute, conducted vehicle collision tests and found that when the front passenger seatback was tilted excessively beyond 38 degrees, injuries to body parts were higher in almost all areas including the head, neck, and knees compared to the normal seating posture at a 5-degree angle.

The posture with an excessively reclined seatback showed a 50-fold increase in neck injury risk, and 26.7-fold and 16.0-fold increases in brain damage and skull fracture risks respectively, compared to the normal seating posture.

The Consumer Agency also stated that in the event of a collision while the seatback is excessively reclined, a 'submarine effect' can occur, where the occupant’s lower body slips under the seatbelt. This phenomenon can cause serious injuries to internal organs and the neck.

The Consumer Agency and the Insurance Development Institute urged consumers to be aware of the correct seating posture and proper seatbelt use to drive safely. They added, “We plan to provide these investigation results to the Korea Transportation Safety Authority and the Road Traffic Authority to be used for driver traffic safety education and promotional materials.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.