Can Improper Seat Belt Use Increase Your Chances of Injury in a Crash?

 Posted on April 07, 2020 in Personal Injury

Many times, when drivers think of using a seat belt, they assume that as long as they buckle up at least some of the time, or for long-distance trips, nothing else really matters. Many drivers adopt the mentality that occasional seat belt use is ”good enough.” However, the truth is that although car accident injuries are more likely for drivers and passengers who choose not to buckle up, they can also occur for those who use their seat belts incorrectly. Yes, it is possible to wear a seat belt the wrong way, and in many cases, wearing it the wrong way can be just as dangerous as not wearing one at all.

How You Wear Your Seat Belt Matters

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drivers and passengers can reduce their chances of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent, and chances of fatality by 45 percent by buckling up, but how you buckle your seat belt matters. Here are some dangers of wearing your seat belt the wrong way:

• You put your neck, shoulders, ribs, and limbs at risk: Positioning the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm or putting the lap belt over your belly makes your neck, shoulders, back, and legs much more vulnerable to serious injuries. It is crucial to wear the shoulder belt away from your neck and across your chest, but not off to the side of the shoulder. You should also make sure you remove any slack in both of the belts to ensure they sit snugly across your hips and pelvic bone.

• You increase your chances of direct impact with an airbag: The NHTSA states that airbags are not meant to replace seat belts, but are instead meant to work with them to protect a vehicle's occupants in the event of a crash. If you are in a collision without wearing your seat belt, and your airbags are triggered, they can actually injure or even kill you by the blunt force. This occurs when your body is thrown from the seat and collides with the deployed airbag. The same danger applies when you wear your belt the wrong way, exposing parts of your body to the impact of the airbag and making them more susceptible to injury.

• If you are pregnant, your unborn child can be injured in the crash: Wearing your seat belt incorrectly not only puts you in danger, it can also endanger the life of your unborn child if you are expecting. Doctors strongly recommend that pregnant women buckle up properly throughout all the stages of pregnancy. It is also important to adjust your seat accordingly and avoid reclining the seat more than necessary. If you are the one driving, do not let your belly touch the steering wheel. Leave plenty of room between yourself and the wheel, and ensure you are able to comfortably reach the gas and brake pedals.

Contact an Arlington Heights Personal Injury Lawyer

Despite your best efforts to practice proper seat belt use in your vehicle, you may still suffer injuries in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence. If you have been the victim of a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for damages including medical costs and/or lost income. That is why it is critical to speak with a knowledgeable, skilled Palatine car accident attorney as soon as possible. The dedicated team at Newland & Newland LLP will work tirelessly to protect your rights and best interests in a court of law. Call us today at 847-797-8000 to request a personal consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts

https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/documents/pregnant-seat-belt-use.pdf