Results of a study examining the role of driver weight in car accidents have revealed that obese motorists are 80% more likely to be killed in a crash than drivers of normal weight, with obese women possessing the largest fatality risk.
Results of a study examining the role of driver weight in car accidents have revealed that obese motorists are 80% more likely to be killed in a crash than drivers of normal weight, with obese women possessing the largest fatality risk. Conducted by Dr. Tom Rice of the University of California, the test included 6,806 drivers involved in 3,403 accidents; 18% were classified as obese, 33% as overweight, and 46% were of a health weight.
According to the research, published in the Emergency Medicine Journal, in an accident, overweight drivers and passengers are propelled further forward during an impact as a result of additional soft tissue preventing the seat belt from tightening immediately against their pelvic bones. Rather than being secured in place, overweight occupants are jostled back and forth, absorbing much more of the force of impact. This jostling can inflict serious and fatal damage to internal organs, heads, and necks. Those who were the most overweight, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, had the greatest potential for death, more than 80% higher than healthy weighted drivers, and the risk of death for obese women with a BMI of 35 or over was more than twice as high as normal weighted women.
Results from the study demonstrate, according to Dr. Rice, the need for overweight drivers to better understand proper seat belt usage and for automakers to better develop restraints that can protect larger drivers and passengers. "Findings from this study suggest that obese vehicle drivers are more likely to die from traffic collision-related injuries than non-obese occupants involved in the same collision. Education is needed to improve seat belt use among obese people. Clinical intervention could inform obese patients of the additional traffic injury risks and potential benefits of losing weight."
To help better protect larger passengers and drivers, automakers will need to create new restraint technology to adequately secure them in the event of an impact. Larger crash test dummies were introduced last year to better represent the effects of an accident for overweight drivers, giving car makers more accurate data to use in developing new technologies. As more and more people continue to struggle with obesity and weight issues, these safety developments will only become more important in the coming months. In the meantime, safety organizations are advising drivers to adjust their seats according to their size to allow for the best protection from seat belts and air bags.
No one can fully prepare for an accident, but securely restraining yourself correctly into your vehicle and driving safely are the two best options available for drivers looking to avoid injury or worse. Before shifting your vehicle into drive, be sure that your seat is in the proper position for you, and that your seat belt covers both your lap and chest, giving you the best possible protection.
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