Many people see the 1970s as a simpler time, but a lot of what was considered normal back then would raise eyebrows, or even break laws, today. Here are a few things that were common in the ‘70s but are now illegal or heavily restricted.
Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks
It wasn’t unusual to see kids and adults alike riding in the back of pickup trucks during the ‘70s. But what once felt like harmless fun then is now recognized as a significant risk for injury in the event of an accident. Today, most states have strict laws prohibiting passengers from riding in truck beds.
Smoking on Airplanes
Lighting up a cigarette mid-flight was just part of the experience for air travelers in the 1970s. Airplanes had smoking sections, and the air was often thick with tobacco smoke.
By the 1990s, smoking on domestic flights was completely banned due to health risks and secondhand smoke concerns.
Leaded Gasoline
Cars in the ‘70s ran on leaded gasoline, and no one thought much of it. However, by the late 1980s, leaded fuel was phased out as studies linked lead exposure to serious health issues and environmental damage. Thankfully, you won’t find any lead in our gas today.
Lawn Darts
Lawn darts were a staple backyard game in the ‘70s, but they were also incredibly dangerous. The heavy, pointed metal tips caused numerous injuries, and after several fatalities, they were officially banned in the United States in 1988.
No Seat Belt Laws
Believe it or not, seat belts weren’t required by law for drivers or passengers in many states during the 1970s. People casually rode in cars without buckling up, often holding children on their laps. Now, seat belt laws are standard across all states, and the life-saving benefits are well-documented.
Drinking and Driving
In the 1970s, the rules around drinking and driving were far more relaxed. While it was frowned upon, DUI enforcement was inconsistent, and penalties were much lighter than they are today. Open container laws were scarce, and it wasn’t uncommon for drivers to have a beer on the road.
Leaving Kids in Cars Unattended
Parents in the ‘70s often left their children in the car while running errands, sometimes for long stretches. While it seemed convenient at the time, the dangers of heat stroke and kidnapping were less understood. Today, leaving a child unattended in a vehicle can lead to hefty fines, criminal charges, and in some cases, jail time.
Hitchhiking on Highways
Hitchhiking was a common way to get around in the 1970s. People stuck out their thumbs, hoping for a ride from strangers. However, concerns about safety for both drivers and hitchhikers led to strict regulations, and hitchhiking is now illegal in many areas.
Advertising Cigarettes on TV
Cigarette ads were everywhere in the 1970s, from TV commercials to billboards. Iconic campaigns made smoking seem glamorous and sophisticated. But by 1971, cigarette ads were banned from television and radio as part of public health efforts to reduce smoking rates.
Minimal Car Safety Standards
Cars in the 1970s lacked many of the safety features we take for granted today. Airbags were rare, crash tests were limited, and seat belts were basic. Driving in the ‘70s was riskier by design, and today’s vehicles are significantly safer thanks to those regulatory changes.
Corporal Punishment in Schools
In the 1970s, corporal punishment, like paddling, was still legal and widely used in many public schools. Teachers and principals disciplined students physically, often with parental approval.
While some states still technically allow corporal punishment, the practice has been largely phased out, with most schools adopting non-physical forms of discipline that focus on counseling and restorative justice.
Dumping Trash and Waste in Rivers
Environmental awareness wasn’t as strong in the 1970s, and many companies and individuals dumped trash and waste directly into rivers and lakes. The Clean Water Act, passed in the early ‘70s, began the shift toward stricter environmental protections, and today, dumping in waterways is illegal.
Lead Paint in Homes
Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes, schools, and public buildings throughout the 1970s. While effective, lead paint posed severe health risks, particularly to children. Today, strict guidelines exist for removing or renovating homes that still contain lead paint.
Lack of Helmet Laws for Motorcycles and Bikes
Motorcyclists and cyclists in the 1970s often rode without helmets. While it may have felt freeing, it contributed to high rates of head injuries and fatalities. Many states now enforce helmet laws, as data shows that helmets really do save lives.
Asbestos in Building Materials
As you may know, asbestos was a popular building material in the ‘70s due to its fire-resistant properties. It was used in insulation, tiles, and even roofing. Unfortunately, asbestos exposure was later linked to severe respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma.
Child Car Seats Were Optional
In the 1970s, children often rode in cars without car seats – or at best, used rudimentary versions that lacked the safety features of modern models. Car seat laws didn’t become widespread until the 1980s, and now, every state requires the use of age-appropriate car seats.
Burning Trash in Backyards
Burning trash in the backyard was a normal part of life for many families in the 1970s. There were fewer municipal waste services, and people often disposed of garbage by lighting it on fire. However, the practice contributed to air pollution and posed fire hazards.
Seatbelt-Free School Buses
School buses in the 1970s were built without seat belts, and the idea of buckling up on a bus was unheard of. Over time, as safety standards evolved, regulations began requiring seat belts in newly manufactured buses.