Seatbelts are designed to keep us safe in the event of a car accident, but they don’t always work the way that they should. In fact, some people who are involved in car accidents are actually injured by the seatbelt that is holding them in place. Most seatbelt injuries are minor bruises or scrapes, but it’s possible to sustain serious internal injuries or soft tissue damage from a seatbelt as well. How can you prevent seatbelt injuries? The key is keeping the seatbelt in the proper position. Follow these tips:
Value Safety Over Comfort
Have you ever adjusted the strap that goes across your body so it sits behind your back or tucked under your arm? This may be more comfortable than wearing it across your chest, which restricts your movement, but it’s not a good idea. The seatbelt cannot hold your body back in the event of a collision if this strap is not laying across your chest. In addition, the strap may cause minor scrapes and bruises if it’s underneath your arm at the time of the crash.
Check the Positioning
Before you hit the road, check the positioning of the lap and shoulder belt. Many people stretch the lap belt across their stomach, but this could lead to internal injuries if you are in an accident. The lap belt is designed to lay across your hips, not across your stomach. To protect yourself, adjust the lap belt so it sits right below your stomach.
The shoulder belt should cross over the middle of your chest. If the shoulder belt is too close to your neck, it may cause soft tissue damage or bruising in an accident. Adjust the height of the seatbelt or your seat in order to reposition the shoulder strap.
Loosen the Seatbelt
A seatbelt should never be so tight that it digs into your skin or cuts off circulation. In fact, a seatbelt that is this tight could cause serious internal injuries and painful bruising if you are involved in an accident. If your seatbelt is too tight, adjust it before you begin driving. The seatbelt should be comfortable, but it shouldn’t be too loose.
Even though seatbelts can cause injuries, don’t use this as an excuse to not wear one. Seatbelt injuries are minor in comparison to the serious injuries that you can sustain in accident while not wearing a seatbelt.
Have you been injured in a car accident? If so, contact Reisch Law Firm today. Our personal injury attorneys will do whatever it takes to recover the compensation that you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
