Practice question

If you are hit from the rear, what is the recommended position for your body?

  1. Lean forward against the steering wheel
  2. Press against the back of your seat
  3. Sit upright with your hands on the dashboard
  4. Turn your body to face the passenger side

Answer: B — Press against the back of your seat

In the event of being hit from the rear, pressing against the back of your seat is the recommended position because it helps to maximize the support your seat provides in a sudden impact. This position allows your entire back to be supported, reducing the risk of injury from the jolt. By remaining firmly against the seat, your body is better aligned and can absorb the force of the collision evenly, which is crucial for minimizing the chance of whiplash and other injuries. Positioning your body this way also keeps your arms and hands in a safer and more controlled position, allowing you to maintain control of the vehicle if necessary after the impact. Distributing your body weight back into the seat provides better stability, which is especially important in a rear-end collision where your body may be jolted forward suddenly.

Practice more: New Mexico DMV Drivers Practice Test →