Considering that in the majority of public transport,( buses, trains, aircraft etc.)crashes?
Answers:
They are on some older vehicles. (Dominie, VC10) in the RAF.
I was told that they used to have the seats facing backwards years ago, but people complained, as it's not as aesthetically pleasing to face backwards, so the airlines decided to face the seats forward from then on.
I've flown in a VC10 several times and it is very strange taking off and landing backwards, but I'm not too bothered by it. I have a mate who is scared of flying (and she's in the RAF!). She says she prefers to face backwards, as she knows it's safer.
In a high impact crash the direction the seat is facing aint going to make much difference, they will still be throwing towards the front of the vehicle, and the back of the head would be more exposed to getting serious damage.
If its a very high speed crash, and you are facing backwards, your internal organs will rupture anyway b/c of the velocity and you will die.
But in a 'slower' crash it would prevent injury, so it probably is a good idea. Except that many people get motion sickness if they cant face front.
I have heard that Military transport aircraft have this. Unfortunately, many people feel uncomfortable facing backwards.
Greater chance of breaking your neck if facing backwards during an accident.
Facing backwards is safer. Consider this:
Facing forwards, there is only the seatbelt to stop you, exerting its force over 2 1/2 inches of belt.
Facing backwards, you have the entire seat to absorb the force, and it is spread out over your entire back, the strongest part of your body. Whiplash is a problem with short seats, but any rear-facing seats (on aircraft anyways) have to be taller than the occupant.
Flight attendants are almost universally seated facing rear so they will have more chance for survival so they can assist in evacuation, etc. Even rear flight attendant seats are rear facing.
Also infants are always rear-facing because their bodies are not strong enough to withstand a forward-facing restraint.
Reasons for not having everyone rear facing: many people find it unnatural. The full seats cost more, weigh more, restrict cabin visibility, and won't be able to break-over to aid in cabin evacuation. Also there is the fact that aircraft are the safest mode of travel anyways (I can't speak for busses and trains).
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