A latching device for a vehicle comprises a hollow casing having open front and rear ends, a latching member supported for sliding motion within the casing so as to protrude through the open front end of the casing, biasing means for biasing the latching member toward the open front end so that the latching member protrudes outside through the open front end of the casing, a locking mechanism capable of locking the latching member at a locking position within the casing against the biasing force of the biasing means and of unlocking the latching member when the latching member is pushed from the locking position against the biasing force of the biasing means to an unlocking position within the casing, and a safety mechanism capable of preventing the disengagement of the locking mechanism by inertia. The locking mechanism comprises a locking lever that engages a heart-shaped cam groove formed in the latching member, and the safety mechanism comprises a movable member pivotally supporting the locking lever, supported for sliding movement within the casing and capable of moving in the direction of movement of the latching member by inertia, and spring means for biasing the movable member toward the latching member.