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Using Restraint to Avoid Neck Injury in Auto Accidents

Ever wonder how well seatbelts and airbags work? Do they really prevent neck injuries? Researchers at the University of Alabama report on this and more. Using information from the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS), they report:

  • Many people involved in accidents still don't use their seatbelts.
  • Using seatbelts and airbags together offers the best overall protection against neck fracture.
  • Neck injuries occur more often in older adults.

    Information in the NASS comes from police reports. The reports are filed every year in the United States. Each state must report its own accident data. Any motor vehicle collision that results in injury, death, or major property damage is included.

    This study looks at vehicles involved in front-impact crashes. Cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs were all included. Besides results from the NASS, the authors also summarize results from other studies on the use of restraint systems.

    • Reference: 

    Brian Claytor, MD, et al. Cervical Spine Injury and Restraint System Use in Motor Vehicle Collisions. In Spine. February 15, 2004. Vol. 29. No. 4. Pp. 386-389.

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