Buckled Up Front, Why Not in Back?
Most Texans routinely click their seat belt in the front seat, but that habit often fades once they slide into the back. According to research, back seat belt use can trail front seat use by 8 to 10 percentage points, even though the risks are just as real.
So why are we lax in the back seat?
A survey by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety points to a few common misconceptions:
- The belief that the back seat is inherently safer
- Forgetting – or never forming the habit – to buckle up in back
- Discomfort or difficulty accessing seat belts in rear seats
The problem? In a crash, an unbuckled back seat passenger can become a projectile, seriously injuring themselves and others in the vehicle. At 60 mph, a passenger riding unrestrained is thrown with a force equivalent to falling from a 12‑story building – a powerful reminder captured in a vintage Texas Department of Transportation video still relevant today.
And with Memorial Day weekend around the corner, summer travel ramping up, and rideshare trips to and from the airport becoming routine, more Texans will find themselves riding in the back seat. Now is the perfect time to get in the habit of buckling up.
Click It or Ticket
This May marks the 24th year TxDOT has participated in the national Click It or Ticket campaign, an effort that continues to deliver real, measurable results. The campaign, running from May 11-31, reinforces a simple, life‑saving message: Buckle up – every trip, every seat.
During Click It or Ticket, law enforcement agencies across Texas increase patrols, and seat belt safety for drivers and passengers – front and back – is amplified. This annual effort has proven effective.
Since its launch, Click It or Ticket in Texas has helped:
- Save more than 8,000 lives
- Prevent more than 140,000 serious injuries
- Save $34 billion in crash-related economic costs
Seat Belts Save Lives
Seat belts remain one of the most effective safety tools we have.
- They reduce front-seat passenger deaths by about 45% and light‑truck deaths by about 60%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- They work with airbags to provide maximum protection
- They prevent ejection, one of the leading causes of crash fatalities
While rear seat belt laws may vary, the science does not. Buckling up matters. Infants, toddlers and kids under the age of 13 should always ride properly restrained in the back seat using the correct car seat, booster or seat belt.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Data shows men and young adults ages 18-34 as the most likely to drive or ride in vehicles without buckling up. Use these free resources to help change behaviors and provide ongoing training to reinforce seat belt policies at your organization:
- E-Learning: Own Your Safety, Buckle Up. Using our group delivery option, you assign the course and track employee completions – free! Search the menu here.
- Seat Belt Safety Poster: Secure Your Future – Good Fortune is No Accident. Buckle Up!
- TxDOT: Safety videos and print materials
- NHTSA: Facts, social media graphics, and presentation talking points
Let’s close the gap in back seat belt use and keep our No. 1 goal firmly in front of us: making sure everyone arrives safely, no matter where they sit.
Bicycle Safety, Call to Action
May is National Bicycle Safety Month, a timely reminder that safer roads start with shared responsibility. In Texas, bicycles are legally considered vehicles. This means bicyclists must follow the rules of the road – and drivers must treat people on bikes with the same care and respect as any other roadway user. Employer safety leaders can play a critical role in reinforcing this message.
Why it Matters
Preventable roadway crashes involving bicyclists are a serious concern. In 2024, 80 bicyclists were killed and 429 were seriously injured in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Driver inattention, failure to yield and speeding often are cited as leading factors in bicycle vs. vehicle collisions.
Nationally, more than 1,100 bicyclists lost their lives in traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These numbers underscore the importance of consistent, clear safety messaging.
Focus on Drivers
Most employees spend part of their day behind the wheel. Employers can help protect lives by reinforcing these reminders:
- Traffic safety is a shared responsibility
- Never drive distracted and always follow posted speed limits
- Look left, right, left again and behind you when turning, especially when turning right on red
- Yield to bicyclists as you would any other vehicle
- Pass bicycles at a safe distance and give riders room to maneuver
Higher speeds increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries for people on bikes – slowing down saves lives.
Focus on Bicyclists
Many employees ride bikes for commuting, exercise or recreation. Encourage them to:
- Always wear a properly fitting helmet
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and obey signs and signals
- Use bike lights and reflectors at night – white in front, red in back
- Wear bright or reflective clothing to improve visibility
- Avoid distractions and stay alert to traffic conditions
How to Make a Difference
Share bicycle safety tips in newsletters, toolboxes and at safety meetings:
- Reinforce that roadway safety applies on and off the job
- Promote a culture of awareness, courtesy and accountability for all road users
Share Free Resources
- National Safety Council Video (Far Hand Reach)
- Best Bike Trails in Texas
- TxDOT Safety Poster (English and Spanish)
- NHTSA Social Media (Share Graphics on Your Channels)
- TxDOT Haunted Wedding Video (30 Seconds)
Small conversations can lead to safer decisions – and safer roads – for everyone.
