ABSTRACT
The severity and distribution of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision depends on a number of factors, including the site of impact to the particular vehicle, the speeds and mass of the vehicles involved, and the use of restraint systems. In addition, the seating position of a vehicle occupant determines his or her risk of injury. It has been shown that the rear seat position, and in children the centre rear seat position, carries a lower risk of injury and death compared with the front seat in motor vehicle crashes. It has been estimated that sitting in the rear seat results in a 39% reduction in the risk of death.1
