Seat Belts Save Lives
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved nearly 15,000 lives in 2017. In 2020, the national use of seat belts was at 90.3% — proving people understand the lifesaving importance of seat belts.
Buckling your seat belt is one of the smartest decisions you can make on a daily basis. Not only do these devices save lives, but they also prevent serious injuries that the impact of a car accident can cause.
The following are five significant ways seat belts save lives:
- Keeps you inside the vehicle.
- Restrains the strongest parts of the body (the hips and shoulders).
- Spreads out force from the collision over a wide area of the body.
- Helps the body to slow down.
- Protects your brain and spinal cord.
For a seat belt to function properly, it has to be worn properly. Otherwise, there could be serious consequences.
Wearing Your Seat Belt Properly
To wear your seat belt correctly, the lap belt and shoulder belt should be secure and fit snugly across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand force from a collision. The lap belt should lie across your upper thighs/hip area. The shoulder belt should rest across the middle of your chest.
Often, people will put the shoulder belt behind their back or under their arm. This increases your chance for injury and will decrease your safety if you find yourself in a car accident.
Seat Belt Injuries
Although wearing your seat belt properly and securely can save your life and prevent serious injury, your seat belt can also cause injury depending on the impact of the car accident.
Common seat belt injuries include bruised or fractured ribs, significant bruising, abdominal pain, and lacerations. The force of the accident can also cause tears to the tendons and muscle fibers in your shoulder, which can be very painful.
After a car accident occurs, your injuries may not appear right away. Regardless, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately to assess the extent of any injuries that may exist.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care After a Car Accident
Chiropractic care can be crucial following a car accident. You may experience cervical spinal misalignments, whiplash, or herniated discs. If not given the proper care, your injuries may become worse.
At Amazing Spine Care, our medical professionals will provide the necessary treatments for your situation based on your car accident injuries and symptoms. With our advanced, holistic care, we can help you regain any lost mobility and relieve pressure on your muscles and nerves.
Call (904) 320-0808 if you have recently been in a car accident and are looking to relieve your pain.