Seat belt use was not mandatory in the 1970s, and cars often lacked seat belts in the back seats entirely. Many people viewed seat belts as unnecessary or even uncomfortable, and it was common to drive without using them.

As road safety research developed, laws were enacted to make seat belt use compulsory, dramatically reducing injuries and fatalities in car accidents.

Today, wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most places, and public awareness campaigns have solidified their importance for safety.

In the 1970s, workplace sexism was often dismissed as harmless banter or simply part of the office culture.

Behaviors like inappropriate jokes, unsolicited comments about appearances, and the marginalization of women in leadership roles were widespread.

Laws addressing gender discrimination, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Act in the U.S., began to change this landscape.

Today, such actions are widely recognized as unacceptable, and many companies implement diversity training and strict anti-harassment policies to foster equitable workplaces.

Lead-based paints and gasoline additives were widely used in the 1970s, despite mounting evidence of their toxicity. Lead exposure, particularly in children, can cause severe developmental and neurological damage.

Over the years, governments implemented bans and regulations to remove lead from consumer products and fuel.

Today, lead-based products are either outlawed or heavily restricted in many countries, marking a significant step in public health and environmental safety.

In the 1970s, it was common for teachers to use physical punishment, such as paddling or slapping, as a disciplinary tool in schools. This practice was often supported by parents and viewed as an effective way to maintain order in classrooms.

However, growing awareness of the psychological and emotional harm caused by such punishment led to a shift in attitudes.

Today, corporal punishment is banned in schools across many regions and is considered an unacceptable form of discipline.

Littering was widespread in the 1970s, with little emphasis on proper waste disposal or environmental conservation. Public spaces, including parks and roadsides, were often cluttered with trash, as the environmental impact of littering was not well understood.

The advent of environmental movements, such as Earth Day in 1970, began to raise awareness about pollution.

Today, littering is not only frowned upon but is also punishable by fines in many places, as people have become more conscious of protecting the environment.

In the 1970s, overt discrimination based on gender, race, or sexual orientation was common and often went unchallenged. Laws protecting equal rights were either absent or poorly enforced, and societal attitudes lagged behind.

Over the decades, significant progress has been made, with the establishment of civil rights laws, workplace protections, and advocacy movements.

While issues of inequality persist, such behaviors are now widely recognized as unacceptable, both socially and legally.

Drinking and driving was far more socially acceptable in the 1970s, and law enforcement rarely took a strong stance on it. Public awareness of the dangers was limited, and many people viewed it as a minor issue rather than a significant safety risk.

The establishment of stricter laws, awareness campaigns, and organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) transformed public perceptions.

Today, drinking and driving is heavily penalized, and it carries serious social stigma.

In the 1970s, car seats for children were rare and often considered optional. Infants and young children were frequently held on laps during car rides, putting them at great risk in the event of an accident.

Research highlighting the importance of child car seats led to mandatory safety standards and laws requiring their use.

Today, car seats are a legal necessity, and they are carefully designed to provide maximum protection for children in vehicles.

Pesticides such as DDT were commonly used in the 1970s for agriculture and pest control, with little regard for their environmental or health impacts.

The harmful effects of these chemicals, including their persistence in ecosystems and toxicity to humans and wildlife, were not widely understood at the time.

Landmark publications, like Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, spurred a movement to regulate pesticide use.

Today, many of these chemicals are banned or heavily restricted, with a focus on safer alternatives.

In the 1970s, recycling was not a common practice, and waste was often dumped into landfills without much thought about its environmental impact.

Most households and businesses did not separate their trash into recyclable materials, leading to excessive waste and pollution. Environmental awareness campaigns in later decades encouraged the adoption of recycling programs.

Today, proper waste separation and recycling are widely promoted and, in some areas, legally mandated to reduce landfill use and protect the environment.

In the 1970s, wearing real fur was a fashion statement and a sign of wealth or status. There was little awareness or concern about the ethical issues surrounding fur production, including animal cruelty and environmental impacts.

Over time, animal rights organizations like PETA brought attention to these issues, leading to a decline in the popularity of real fur

Today, wearing fur often sparks ethical debates, and many fashion brands have replaced it with synthetic alternatives.

In the 1970s, it was common for children to play outdoors unsupervised for hours, roaming neighborhoods or exploring nearby woods.

Parents were less concerned about safety, as crime and child abduction seemed less prominent issues in the public consciousness.

Over the years, increasing awareness of potential dangers and a shift toward structured activities have changed how children spend their time.

Today, parents are more likely to supervise or schedule their children’s outdoor activities to ensure safety.

Sunbathing without sunscreen was the norm in the 1970s, and getting a deep tan was often seen as a sign of health and beauty. People used tanning oils to intensify sun exposure without realizing the risks of skin damage and increased cancer rates.

As scientific studies linked sun exposure to skin cancer, sunscreen use became widespread.

Today, unprotected sunbathing is discouraged, and sunscreen with high SPF is a key part of skincare routines.

The 1970s saw an explosion in the use of plastic for disposable items, packaging, and household goods. There was little concern for the environmental impact, and recycling infrastructure for plastics was virtually nonexistent.

Over time, the negative effects of plastic pollution, including harm to marine life and ecosystems, became evident.

Today, there is a global push to reduce single-use plastics and adopt sustainable alternatives.

Water conservation was not a major focus in the 1970s, and practices like letting taps run while brushing teeth or overwatering lawns were common.

As awareness of global water shortages and droughts grew, attitudes began to shift.

Today, water conservation is a priority in many regions, with restrictions on usage and campaigns encouraging people to adopt more sustainable habits.

In the 1970s, mental health issues were often stigmatized or ignored, with little support for those struggling. Therapy and counseling were less accessible, and mental health was not seen as a priority in public health discussions.

Over the years, advocacy and research have led to greater awareness of mental health’s importance.

Today, seeking mental health care is widely encouraged, and resources for mental wellness are more available and destigmatized.

Workplace safety standards in the 1970s were far less stringent than they are today. Many industries lacked proper protective equipment, and safety protocols were often minimal or nonexistent.

As workplace injuries and fatalities gained attention, governments and organizations introduced stricter regulations, such as OSHA in the U.S.

Today, safety measures like training programs, protective gear, and regular inspections are mandatory in many industries.

Hitchhiking was a common form of travel in the 1970s, often seen as an adventurous or economical way to get from one place to another. However, safety concerns, including reports of crimes involving hitchhikers, led to its decline.

Today, hitchhiking is widely regarded as dangerous, and most people opt for safer alternatives like ride-sharing apps or public transportation.

In the 1970s, medications, cleaning supplies, and other potentially harmful substances were often sold without childproof packaging. This led to numerous cases of accidental poisoning in young children.

Over time, governments mandated child-resistant caps and safety seals to reduce these risks.

Today, childproof packaging is standard for most household and pharmaceutical products, significantly improving safety.

In the 1970s, parents rarely prioritized sunscreen for children, and many kids spent hours in the sun with no protection. Sunburns were considered a normal part of childhood summers, with little understanding of the long-term risks like skin cancer.

Research in later decades highlighted the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) rays, leading to the widespread use of sunscreen and protective clothing.

Today, applying sunscreen to children is considered an essential part of sun safety.

In the 1970s, it was common for children and adults to ride on boats without wearing life jackets. Boating regulations were more relaxed, and life jackets were often seen as optional or unnecessary.

Increased awareness of drowning risks and stricter safety laws have made life jackets mandatory in many regions.

Today, wearing a life jacket is seen as a critical safety precaution on the water.

Cars in the 1970s were commonly equipped with built-in ashtrays, and smoking in vehicles was a normal practice—even with children in the car. Secondhand smoke exposure wasn’t widely recognized as harmful at the time.

As awareness of the dangers of smoking grew, smoking in cars, particularly with children present, became heavily criticized and in some places outlawed.

Modern vehicles rarely include ashtrays, reflecting changing societal norms.

In the 1970s, kids often rode bikes without helmets, as helmets were not widely marketed or considered essential for safety.

Bike-related injuries were common, but there was little public awareness of how helmets could prevent serious head injuries.

Today, helmets are mandatory for children in many regions, and wearing one is strongly encouraged as a basic safety measure.

Parents in the 1970s frequently left children alone in cars while running errands, believing it was harmless and convenient. Over time, reports of heatstroke, car thefts, and abductions involving unattended children raised alarm.

Today, leaving children unsupervised in a car is widely regarded as neglectful and dangerous, and in many places, it is illegal.

In the 1970s, smoking was allowed in hospitals, including waiting rooms and even some patient areas. Doctors and staff often smoked on the premises, with little consideration for the health effects on patients.

Over time, research into the dangers of secondhand smoke led to the complete prohibition of smoking in healthcare facilities.

Today, hospitals enforce strict no-smoking policies to maintain a safe and healthy environment.

The health risks of secondhand smoke were not widely understood in the 1970s, and non-smokers were often exposed to smoke in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

Public campaigns and scientific research eventually highlighted the dangers, including respiratory illnesses and cancer.

Today, avoiding secondhand smoke is a major public health goal, and laws now protect non-smokers by banning smoking in many shared spaces.

In the 1970s, advertising targeted at children was largely unregulated. Companies frequently marketed sugary snacks, sodas, and toys directly to kids through colorful TV commercials, often without regard for their health impacts.

Over time, restrictions were implemented to limit exploitative advertising aimed at children.

Today, many countries have rules regulating how products can be marketed to younger audiences, especially unhealthy food and drinks.

Parents in the 1970s often carried babies in their arms while shopping, running errands, or performing daily tasks.

Ergonomic baby carriers and strollers were less common, and many parents were unaware of the potential risks of dropping or straining while holding an infant.

Modern parenting places an emphasis on convenience and safety, with strollers and baby carriers designed to prevent accidents and support proper posture.

Carnival and amusement park rides in the 1970s were often poorly maintained, with minimal safety inspections or regulations. Accidents and injuries were more common, but the public had fewer tools to hold operators accountable.

Over the years, stricter safety protocols and regular inspections have been introduced, significantly reducing risks.

Today, amusement rides are subject to rigorous safety standards to protect the public.